Novak Djokovic takes to Twitter to defend controversial hard quarantine wish-list
World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic has taken to Twitter to defend himself in light of recent criticism for a letter he wrote Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley.
Djokovic wrote to the Australian Open boss with a raft of "suggestions" on behalf of players, including permission to visit a coach or trainer and to move as many players as possible to private residents with tennis courts.
It comes after Australian Open players, including Djokovic, are amid their compulsory 14-day hotel quarantine in Adelaide.
READ MORE: Tennis Australia CEO defends Novak Djokovic's quarantine wishlist
Novak Djokovic remains in hotel quarantine ahead of competing at the Australian Open. Nine
In a lengthy letter posted to Twitter just before midnight on Wednesday, Djokovic says his suggestions were made with good intentions and he didn't intent to convey a "selfish, difficult and ungrateful" attitude.
"This couldn't be farther from the truth," he said in the Twitter post.
"I genuinely care about my fellow players and I also understand very well how the world is run and who gets bigger and better and why.
"Hence, I use my position of privilege to be of service as much as I can where and when needed."
Djokovic said he used his good relationship with Tiley to "brainstorm potential improvements" to cater for players during the quarantine period but the letter was "misconstrued."
But the suggestions were quickly shot down by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday, who firmly said: "The answer is no".
Djokovic's Twitter post said other players in hotel quarantine had discussed improvements via an online chat group and he thought there would be "no harm" in putting the ideas forward.
"There was a general impression that the players (including myself) are ungrateful, weak and selfish because of their unpleasant feelings in quarantine," Djokovic said.
"I am sorry it has come to that because I know how grateful many are.
"We all came to Australia to compete. Not being able to train for the tournament starts is really not easy."
There are currently 72 players confined to their hotel rooms.
Novak Djokovic waves as he arrives at Adelaide Airport. Getty
Novak Djokovic (R) arrives at Adelaide Airport ahead of the Australian Open before which he must quarantine in a designated hotel for 14 days. Getty
The world No.1 went on to express his gratitude for Tennis Australia, the Australian Government and local citizens.
"I understand that organising international sporting events during a pandemic poses health risks to the local community and to the players themselves," he said.
"We are honoured and we will do our best to follow the guidelines and protocols in place."
