Dan Evans: Djokovic concerns over US Open restrictions only valid for top players

[Im(moral) Winner]

But Evans, 30, said: "There has to be a bit of give and take from the players."

The British number one told BBC 5 Live Breakfast: "I don't think having one person of your team only allowed is such a big deal - the majority of the draw would only travel with one coach.

"Not everyone's travelling with physios and fitness trainers like Novak said, so I think his argument there is not really valid for the rest of the draw, apart from the real top guys."

Defending champion Rafael Nadal says he currently has little desire to travel to New York, and does not think tournaments should resume until all players are able to travel freely and safely.

"It's great what the ATP did with the Relief Fund but there's nothing better than the prize money of the Grand Slams for the players to be receiving," Evans continued.

"This is the point where I think the players should really come together and Novak and Rafa should really be looking to help those players with lower ranks so they get a good pay day.

"It's obviously not all about money, it's health involved here, but if it's safe enough I don't think having just a coach is a good enough reason not to be going to a tournament."

Dan Evans says Novak Djokovic concerns over US Open restrictions only valid for top players

Britain's Dan Evans dismisses Novak Djokovic's concerns over players having just one member of their team at the US Open as "not such a big deal".

www.bbc.com

 

[daggerman]

I'm actually curious about how many ATP pros have more than one person on their team. 50? 75? I'm really not sure.

Does anybody have any insight on this?

 

[NonP]

And just next door people are defending Novak's insistence on bringing his "fitness trainer" and "physiotherapist." Who needs the shenanigans of the oligarchs when we the plebs are willingly bending over backwards to oblige them?

 

[RF-18]

Very inconsiderate statement from Novak tbh. Probably didn't think it through properly.

 

[weakera]

Djokovic needs his Zen coach, Chinese acupuncturist and team of Tibetan monks with him at all times to perform at his best level.

 

[3loudboys]

Dan's right, the elite just need to Deal With It and take some small steps like the rest of the players.

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[stringertom]

Dan's right, the elite just need to Deal With It and take some small steps like the rest of the players.

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If they lose early the p1ss and moan act will make the blue clay Madrid’12 dog and pony act seem trivial.

 

[Russeljones]

It's all about the money. No one is allowed any other consideration.

 

[vex]

Djokovic was just speaking the truth. Every single poster on this forum is a fan of a player with a 3+ man entourage. You Fed zombies think he just rolls in solo lol? Rafa’s no different. Djoker was just saying what they all felt.

 

[Lleytonstation]

Djokovic was just speaking the truth. Every single poster on this forum is a fan of a player with a 3+ man entourage. You Fed zombies think he just rolls in solo lol? Rafa’s no different. Djoker was just saying what they all felt.

One thing to "feel" that way and want your entourage, but to say it publicly which Fed and Rafa have not done, is not a smart thing to do.

Sure, you can look at it as being "transparent" or "honest," but by making a statement, you are saying you are not willing to make sacrifices in times like these.

Unless you can tell me Fed and Rafa are not willing to make those sacrifices either, than yes, Djokers "truth" is wack in a time like this.

 

[Federev]

Djokovic was just speaking the truth. Every single poster on this forum is a fan of a player with a 3+ man entourage. You Fed zombies think he just rolls in solo lol? Rafa’s no different. Djoker was just saying what they all felt.

From my point of view the JEDI are evil!

 

[3loudboys]

Laughable really, the rest of the world can adapt to a new normal in their various workplaces, time for the big 3 'role models' to do the same and show some solidarity and leadership. Damn, even my kids can work remotely without the usual support they expect and need. There is no place in the new normal for silver spoons.

 

[EdSWright]

Doesn’t it just highlight that the odds are stacked against the field? No wonder no one else can break through.

 

[ScottleeSV]

Everyone is entitled to play or not play depending on what feels right for them. Evans has got no business criticizing Djokovic on this.

It could also be that Djokovic has every intention of playing no matter what but wants to try and coax a few more concessions out of the organisers if he can get away with it.

Nadal could also simply be the opposite; will likely play but wants to scare the organisers into more and more safety precautions etc.

But I must reiterate, if anyone decides not to play, nobody has any business telling them they are out of order. It's a free world (so to speak).

 

[MurraysMetalHip]

Sir Daniel has captured the pulse of the planet, yet again. If Djoko doesn’t like the rules, simply don’t enter the tournament. Simples.

 

[TearTheRoofOff]

Djokovic was just speaking the truth. Every single poster on this forum is a fan of a player with a 3+ man entourage. You Fed zombies think he just rolls in solo lol? Rafa’s no different. Djoker was just saying what they all felt.

Hey, zombies have feelings too.

 

[blablavla]

I'm actually curious about how many ATP pros have more than one person on their team. 50? 75? I'm really not sure.

Does anybody have any insight on this?

I would guess less than 20.

 

[blablavla]

And just next door people are defending Novak's insistence on bringing his "fitness trainer" and "physiotherapist." Who needs the shenanigans of the oligarchs when we the plebs are willingly bending over backwards to oblige them?

some Djoko die hard fans like @beard probably defend this, but who else?
I think those like tennis in general, and are not limited to what the Big 3 is saying is rather of the opinion that the tour should resume so that players keep their shape and start earning prize money.

 

[blablavla]

Djokovic was just speaking the truth. Every single poster on this forum is a fan of a player with a 3+ man entourage. You Fed zombies think he just rolls in solo lol? Rafa’s no different. Djoker was just saying what they all felt.

I think more than 64 players that will be allowed to start in the main draw either have only 1 person in their team, or even less than that.
It might come as a shocker to you, but players who play in Challengers, so the 128 who will play the quallies, often have nobody in their teams and often have shared coaches.
How does it work? you bring a camera with you, set it up and record your match to review it later and analyze with your coach.
Hitting partner is some random dude, usually from the opposite side of the draw.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

What is staggering is that these 1% of tennis players that can have a big team to cover all their needs on tour, are talking about equality and that lower ranked players get more paid. But no way they can let go of privilege.

What the lower ranked players need now is to play and earn some money. Of course the big 3 don’t need another penny. Easy for them to say that a tournament shouldn’t be held.

 

[blablavla]

Doesn’t it just highlight that the odds are stacked against the field? No wonder no one else can break through.

yes and no.
The NextGen players are also not exactly travelling to tournaments like the Challenger players.

Zverev, Tsitsipas, Shapovalov and others who dream of big career also have their teams.
Not sure if as big as the teams of Big 3, but nevertheless.

 

[blablavla]

What is staggering is that these 1% of tennis players that can have a big team to cover all their needs on tour, are talking about equality and that lower ranked players get more paid. But no way they can let go of privilege.

What the lower ranked players need now is to play and earn some money. Of course the big 3 don’t need another penny. Easy for them to say that a tournament shouldn’t be held.

Unfortunately they have the power.
They are the ones that actually sell tickets and generate the world wide audience.
So, it is unsurprising that they demand special treatment for themselves.
Just check this forum, how much discussion happens about players outside Big 3? and how much childish fight about GOAT / BOAT / vulturing / weakera

 

[vex]

I think more than 64 players that will be allowed to start in the main draw either have only 1 person in their team, or even less than that.
It might come as a shocker to you, but players who play in Challengers, so the 128 who will play the quallies, often have nobody in their teams and often have shared coaches.
How does it work? you bring a camera with you, set it up and record your match to review it later and analyze with your coach.
Hitting partner is some random dude, usually from the opposite side of the draw.

I well aware of life in the challenger circuit and the appalling economics of tennis. But in the end, people are paying to see the star player, the big 3, the top 10-20 after them. Those players have more than 1 guy and they drive the sport’s economics. Should they share more of the wealth? Of course, for many reasons. But what Djoker is saying is just truth for top players.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

Unfortunately they have the power.
They are the ones that actually sell tickets and generate the world wide audience.
So, it is unsurprising that they demand special treatment for themselves.
Just check this forum, how much discussion happens about players outside Big 3? and how much childish fight about GOAT / BOAT / vulturing / weakera

The big 3 wouldn’t have gotten 1 slam each even if there weren’t any other players on tour. All the players are important.
The lower ranked players should go on a strike, let’s see how many slams the big 3 would win. I’m serious, they really should. So people and the top players understand how important the tour is as a whole.

 

[blablavla]

I well aware of life in the challenger circuit and the appalling economics of tennis. But in the end, people are paying to see the star player, the big 3, the top 10-20 after them. Those players have more than 1 guy and they drive the sport’s economics. Should they share more of the wealth? Of course, for many reasons. But what Djoker is saying is just truth for top players.

those players are "selling" the sport only cause ATP did that mistake to put them in spot light, as opposed to promote the sport.
look around, there are enough sports where stadiums are being gathered by athletes that are far-far-far away from top 3 in their sports.

If only the top 3 athletes would be selling the sport, you could forget about sports like football, basketball, ice hockey, handball, volleyball and many others.
Yet they do exist, and athletes there are doing much better than in tennis.

 

[blablavla]

The big 3 wouldn’t have gotten 1 slam each even if there weren’t any other players on tour. All the players are important.
The lower ranked players should go on a strike, let’s see how many slams the big 3 would win. I’m serious, they really should. So people and the top players understand how important the tour is as a whole.

I know, you don't need to convince me.
But look no further than some neighboring posts here.
For example this one:

I well aware of life in the challenger circuit and the appalling economics of tennis. But in the end, people are paying to see the star player, the big 3, the top 10-20 after them. Those players have more than 1 guy and they drive the sport’s economics. Should they share more of the wealth? Of course, for many reasons. But what Djoker is saying is just truth for top players.

 

[TheGhostOfAgassi]

I know, you don't need to convince me.
But look no further than some neighboring posts here.
For example this one:

Well, he doesn’t get the plot as usual. Has a fanboy agenda and not thinking so much about the sport itself.

 

[tennis_pro]

Very inconsiderate statement from Novak tbh. Probably didn't think it through properly.

Why should Djokovic care about anyone else? He's got the full package to get to where he is so he needs more human resources to maintain that level.

People have become so wimpy in the last years it's beyond the joke. Luckily everyone has to grow up sooner or later so they will have to go out of their twitter basements and have reality check hit them in the face so hard.

 

[BlueB]

those players are "selling" the sport only cause ATP did that mistake to put them in spot light, as opposed to promote the sport.
look around, there are enough sports where stadiums are being gathered by athletes that are far-far-far away from top 3 in their sports.

If only the top 3 athletes would be selling the sport, you could forget about sports like football, basketball, ice hockey, handball, volleyball and many others.
Yet they do exist, and athletes there are doing much better than in tennis.

What is the main difference between those sports and tennis?

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[BlueB]

Laughable really, the rest of the world can adapt to a new normal in their various workplaces, time for the big 3 'role models' to do the same and show some solidarity and leadership. Damn, even my kids can work remotely without the usual support they expect and need. There is no place in the new normal for silver spoons.

I hate the term "new normal"... because it's not. We'll be back to normal when the we move, gather and socialize freely again. Who ever tries to convince us that this is normal, has a secret agenda. I'm not saying that safety measures are not needed, but let's not call them "normal".

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[Dansan]

I'd be so happy just to watch some damn US open tennis. Don't care if the top 3 decide to stay at home and wear thier depends. The real men will show up to play and can take their spot in the limelight

 

[3loudboys]

I hate the term "new normal"... because it's not. We'll be back to normal when the we move, gather and socialize freely again. Who ever tries to convince us that this is normal, has a secret agenda. I'm not saying that safety measures are not needed, but let's not call them "normal".

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Don't believe in conspiracies unless backed up with hard evidence. For me whether you agree with the terminology/jargon or not, the point is that everyone has had to cope with imposition and adapt to change. Wouldn't it be great if top athletes could lead by example and just deal with it rather than bemoaning the fact their routine isn't just so as it always had been. The virus isn't going to disappear overnight - so if you prefer wording along the lines of a short to mid term temporary suspension of normal activities then fine. The new normal will thankfully bring greater focus on hygiene and an increased awareness on social welfare.

 

[Mainad]

Tomic used to have his own entourage.

Bernie is obviously a paid up member of the Safin Approach to Tennis Glory (only without the Slams or even the Slam finals).

 

[Deleted member 768841]

Is it bad I don’t give a crap about lower players outside of the top 100? Because they aren’t as good as the players in the top 100? Tennis is not the first option for most people to have a career in sports.

 

[blablavla]

What is the main difference between those sports and tennis?

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I think you can check it by yourself.

One of the big differences is that those sports are not limited to Big 3 / Big 4 and considering everyone else as journeymen.
Even ATP started to move this direction with NextGen, but there were too many years when they were happy with Big 3 selling the sport. And NextGen is not good enough to send Big 3 to retirement

 

[-snake-]

Any relatively decent top 10 player has a team of at least 3 people. Where are you getting this idea they only travel with their coaches? Djoe comments were divaesque but still...

 

[Phoenix1983]

Unfortunately they have the power.
They are the ones that actually sell tickets and generate the world wide audience.
So, it is unsurprising that they demand special treatment for themselves.
Just check this forum, how much discussion happens about players outside Big 3? and how much childish fight about GOAT / BOAT / vulturing / weakera

I agree wholeheartedly with your post, except you may have forgotten one thing...

Spoiler

Is Murray an ATG?

 

[Bartelby]

The USTA will hold the event and don't need anyone else's permission.

How is it staggering that higher-ranked players would not like their patterns disturbed, and argue their case to the organisers?

There is nothing to see here except the normal argy-bargy of a negotiation.

The lower-ranked players may benefit from these negotiations even if they do not have an entourage.

What is staggering is that these 1% of tennis players that can have a big team to cover all their needs on tour, are talking about equality and that lower ranked players get more paid. But no way they can let go of privilege.

What the lower ranked players need now is to play and earn some money. Of course the big 3 don’t need another penny. Easy for them to say that a tournament shouldn’t be held.

 

[BlueB]

I think you can check it by yourself.

One of the big differences is that those sports are not limited to Big 3 / Big 4 and considering everyone else as journeymen.
Even ATP started to move this direction with NextGen, but there were too many years when they were happy with Big 3 selling the sport. And NextGen is not good enough to send Big 3 to retirement

You dodged the question.
Those are team sports.

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[3loudboys]

The USTA will hold the event and don't need anyone else's permission.

How is it staggering that higher-ranked players would not like their patterns disturbed, and argue their case to the organisers?

There is nothing to see here except the normal argy-bargy of a negotiation.

The lower-ranked players may benefit from these negotiations even if they do not have an entourage.

Perhaps the context of the current global situation might go some way to explaining peoples less than sympathetic standpoint. If the world were working as normal you can understand the top players views better but not now when health and safety is the overriding priority.

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[3loudboys]

Is it bad I don’t give a crap about lower players outside of the top 100? Because they aren’t as good as the players in the top 100? Tennis is not the first option for most people to have a career in sports.

Have to be honest and say yes, it's important for the sport to have all the tiers. The greatness of the top 100 is contingent on having those lower ranked players that compete with them.

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[3loudboys]

I agree wholeheartedly with your post, except you may have forgotten one thing...

Spoiler

Is Murray an ATG?

Murray is the GOAT

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[Bartelby]

There are all sorts of views on what health and safety entails. And a low risk approach would see the whole event cancelled. So these are matters for discussion, and Djokovic is entitled to his view.

Perhaps the context of the current global situation might go some way to explaining peoples less than sympathetic standpoint. If the world were working as normal you can understand the top players views better but not now when health and safety is the overriding priority.

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[Deleted member 735320]

Very inconsiderate statement from Novak tbh. Probably didn't think it through properly.

What a pampered group of jerks. Did Rod Laver have an entourage? Get over yourselves and get back to work.

 

[Bartelby]

Newcombe used to play drunk, so it appears Krygios is the true continuation of old-school tennis!

What a pampered group of jerks. Did Rod Laver have an entourage? Get over yourselves and get back to work.

 

[3loudboys]

There are all sorts of views on what health and safety entails. And a low risk approach would see the whole event cancelled. So these are matters for discussion, and Djokovic is entitled to his view.

Agreed, hopefully with advice from those that specialise in that area. Whether he chooses to listen or not is up to him. As a role model one would hope he would.

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[blablavla]

You dodged the question.
Those are team sports.

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It's more like you dodged my answer.
ATP can sell the whole Tour, including ATP 250, Challengers even Futures level tournaments.
But they preferred to focus on Big 3.
That's the difference.

If football was focused around Pele or Maradona, it would have died decades ago.
Instead they promote tournaments.
Same in many other sports.
And what a surprise that athletes there are doing better and people don't consider everyone below Top 3 being equal to: mugs, clowns, pigeons, journeymen, etc.

 

[Lleytonstation]

It's more like you dodged my answer.
ATP can sell the whole Tour, including ATP 250, Challengers even Futures level tournaments.
But they preferred to focus on Big 3.
That's the difference.

If football was focused around Pele or Maradona, it would have died decades ago.
Instead they promote tournaments.
Same in many other sports.
And what a surprise that athletes there are doing better and people don't consider everyone below Top 3 being equal to: mugs, clowns, pigeons, journeymen, etc.

It is pretty sad we call the best tennis players in the world 30-100 "journey men" and guys in the top 20 mugs. No other sport has this problem.

 

[3loudboys]

It's more like you dodged my answer.
ATP can sell the whole Tour, including ATP 250, Challengers even Futures level tournaments.
But they preferred to focus on Big 3.
That's the difference.

If football was focused around Pele or Maradona, it would have died decades ago.
Instead they promote tournaments.
Same in many other sports.
And what a surprise that athletes there are doing better and people don't consider everyone below Top 3 being equal to: mugs, clowns, pigeons, journeymen, etc.

Respect for your fellow professionals - 100%.