“I Don’t See Why I Should Give Them Money” – Dominic Thiem Against Novak Djokovic’s Player Relief Fund

The governing bodies of tennis created a relief fund plan to financially help lower-level professionals during the coronavirus pandemic. The program received a lot of support from various stakeholders of the sport. However, World No.3 Dominic Thiem does not feel inclined to contribute towards the fundraising campaign. Let’s see why.

The ATP Player Council’s chief, Novak Djokovic, along with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, was involved in the discussion of implementing the relief fund plan. The program aims to raise around $4.5 million to help lower-ranked players financially since the professional Tour is suspended for an indefinite period.

“Many of them are quite unprofessional” – Dominic Thiem

Tennis is certainly a lucrative sport for top-ranked players. However, on the flip side, players in the lower echelons depend on weekly earnings for their livelihood. These players often struggle to make ends meet.

Consequently,  ATP, WTA, ITF, and the organizers of the four Grand Slams took a joint decision to help these players financially during the public crisis. However, Thiem does not see a reason for helping the lower-ranked players.

“None of the lower-ranked players have to fight for their lives. I’ve seen players on the ITF-Tour who don’t commit to the sport 100 %. Many of them are quite unprofessional. I don’t see, why I should give them money,” Thiem said in an interview with Krone Sport.

“I’d rather donate to people and institutions, who really need it. There is no profession in the world, where you are guaranteed success and high income at the start of your career. None of the top players took anything for granted. We all had to fight our way up the rankings,” he added.

Read More: “It Will Have a Massive Impact on My Season” – Dominic Thiem on Coronavirus Break

Thiem might be veracious on the subject. Moreover, charity just isn’t charity if it’s forced; it has to come from within. Hence, Thiem should not be forced to help raise funds for lower-ranked players if he does not believe in it. However, the tennis world is facing its worst crisis in history, and solidarity is crucial in these times. Hence, we hope that the tennis fraternity unites during these tough times.