via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 21, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic with Russia’s Daniil Medvedev after their final match REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
via Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Men’s Singles Final – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia, February 21, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic with Russia’s Daniil Medvedev after their final match REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
World No.1 Novak Djokovic got off to a great start at the Tokyo Olympics 2020, enjoying a comfortable victory as he thrashed his opponent, Hugo Dellien, in straight sets in the very first round. The final scoreline of the match was 6-2, 6-2.
But not everything is rosy as both Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev recently spoke about the high temperature and the poor playing conditions at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Both of them even urged the organizers to schedule the matches a little later in the day to avoid the excessive heat.
via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Round 1 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 24, 2021. Novak Djokovic of Serbia in action during his first-round match against Hugo Dellien of Bolivia REUTERS/Mike Segar
The rising temperature during matches is a matter of concern at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. The matches start at 11:00 AM local time and thus, athletes often have to play in some really hot conditions. Currently, the temperature in Tokyo during the day is more than 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
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As a result, both Djokovic and Medvedev stated that it will be much better if the matches will take take place in the late afternoon or in the evening for the rest of the tournament. However, they have not got a positive response from the organizers yet.
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“The International Tennis Federation is looking at that”- IOC’s Sports Director on the demands of Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev
The IOC’s Sports Director Kit McConnell responded to the statements of Djoker and Medvedev. He claimed that the organizers have decided these timings to avoid the hottest parts of the day. He also mentioned that the ITF is looking into the matter and the organizers will support its decision.
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via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 29, 2021. Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in action during his first-round match against Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff REUTERS/Paul Childs
“Competition schedules have been built where possible to avoid the hottest parts of the day but that is not possible with every sport. Generally, it has been working well. The International Tennis Federation is looking at that and we will support them in any measures they are looking at,” said McConnell in a recent interview.
It will be a big win for the players if there is a change of schedule now. The ITF is looking into the demands of Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev which is a positive sign for them.
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Djokovic will next face Germany’s Jan-Lennard Struff in the second round of the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Will he be able to win an Olympic Gold for his nation in Tokyo this year?
Also Read: “This Is Amazing”: Novak Djokovic in Awe of Fans Admiration, Records Heartfelt Video in Return
