Novak Djokovic’s Participation in the ATP Rome Masters in Doubt as Former Players and Experts Put Forward Their Views

Novak Djokovic is set to start his 2022 season at ATP 500 Dubai. However, his recent BBC interview where he explained his side of the events that took place in Australia, has put several tournaments in a fix as different view points began to come out. Recently, the Serb’s participation at the Rome Masters has been an issue of discussion. 

Former tennis player Adriano Panatta and renowned virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco put forward their views on the matter. The two criticized the Serbian for his act but left the final decision on the country’s regulations. 

The different viewpoints on Djokovic

Italy is still under the blanket of pandemic restrictions. However, with the ATP Masters 1000 Rome set to take place in May, the restrictions are expected to be lifted by then. The Italian government is trying to regulate the movement of people by issuing a Super Green Pass. It is a digital certificate that helps authorities lift restrictions on people based on their vaccination status.  

Italian icon and former French Open champion Adriano Panatta put forward his views on the issue. Panatta criticized Djokovic as he said, “My personal opinions on him do not change and I repeat it even now. For me either he gets vaccinated or he would do better to stay at home.” 

Although the Italian was against Novak’s participation, he left the decision on the regulations saying, “It is not me who decides, but the rules of the tournament. Who must abide by what are the laws, the Italian decrees. If the law allows it, then he can play.”

Renowned virologist Fabrizio Pregliasco also was of the same thought as he went on to say, “He was one of the many bad teachers, a bad example. But if the law allows it, he is right”.

Novak Djokovic in Rome 

The ATP Masters 1000 Internazionali BNL d’Italia has been one of the most successful clay-court events in Djokovic‘s career. With 5 titles, Djokovic sits on the second spot, superseded just by the King of Clay, Rafael Nadal who has 10 Rome titles to his name. 

Also read- Novak Djokovic Handed a Tricky Path to Claim ATP 500 Dubai 2022 Title

Novak won his first title in 2008, beating Stanislas Wawrinka in 3 sets. His next two wins came in 2011 and 2014, beating Nadal in both the finals. In 2015, he defended his title beating Swiss Maestro Roger Federer in straight sets. His last win came in 2020, where he beat Argentinian Diego Schwartzman. 

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