LONDON, ENGLAND — After announcing his return at next month's as-of-yet-uncanceled Western and Southern Open, world number one and recent coronavirus survivor Novak Djokovic has faced a growing chorus of animosity from ATP Tour players, with many now insisting the Serbian wear a mask when he competes.
The ATP Player Council—which Djokovic currently chairs—met by teleconference earlier this week to discuss the pandemic and the competitive restart. Those present on the call claimed tension was high whenever the council president spoke of his return.
"He can't come back to the tour as if nothing happened," bemoaned one council member still undecided about resuming play. "What if I get drawn against the guy? Do I withdraw? Do I risk it? We shouldn't be put in a position where we have to choose between playing Novak and being just another COVID-19 statistic."
"At the very least, he needs to wear a mask when he plays and all of us need to bathe in hand sanitizer after we play him."
Despite avoiding public comment, other tour pros—including several close to Djokovic—haven't shied away from commenting on the situation in private. "I turned down an invitation from Novak to play the Adria Tour event because I knew it was a bad idea," said a fellow Serbian player. "My family thanked me afterwards."
"I mean, it's not as if he's a walking petri dish anymore, right?" asked another anonymous ATP regular. "But who knows how that really works or what's lurking beneath the surface?"
"If I had my way, he'd have to wear a full-blown Darth Vader helmet when he plays, but that's probably impractical."