‘I wouldn’t criticize him an excessive amount of’: Russian Grand Slam winner Vera Zvonareva helps Novak Djokovic after Covid-19 backlash

4-time Grand Slam doubles winner and Olympic medalist Vera Zvonareva says Novak Djokovic should not be judged too harshly after the Serbian star was slammed for internet hosting a tour which led to a spate of Covid-19 instances.

Speaking to RT Sport, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist stated Djokovic had aimed to assist tennis gamers return courtroom following a prolonged break, however had didn’t observe the required security measures.

“I would not criticize him onerous, however I might say that possibly he rushed into it an excessive amount of. Possibly he didn’t take all of the measures that he ought to have taken to keep away from such penalties. In case you aren’t in a position to present security for gamers, viewers, folks round, it’s higher not to do this,” Zvonareva stated.

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“It’s an advanced scenario I’m positive that he tried his greatest to present alternatives to some gamers to get again to the courtroom and compete. However possibly some security measures weren’t taken correctly.

“Possibly everybody thought that Serbia and Croatia had been able to have these worldwide occasions. Possibly their authorities ought to have stated one thing like ‘We aren’t but prepared.’ Possibly Novak thought that they’re positive and the whole lot could be OK. And that was a mistake. In fact it raised quite a lot of considerations for different occasions as properly,” the participant added.

Zvonareva, who has gained two Grand Slam titles every in doubles and blended doubles, stated uncertainty surrounds the upcoming US Open which shall be held regardless of coronavirus fears.

“I believe it’s a really tough query for all of the tennis gamers in the meanwhile. On the one hand everybody needs to compete and go, particularly, you realize taking part in in New York is all the time one thing particular. Everybody loves being there. However on the identical time everyone seems to be a little bit bit involved about well being scenario, the measures that shall be taken. The USTA introduced that they may held the US Open the identical dates because it was formally deliberate,” she stated.

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“Everybody is not but positive if they can journey to the US in the meanwhile as a result of, there should not so many flights. Some folks nonetheless get a visa to go to the US and you realize some consulates are nonetheless closed. However for positive gamers would love to begin competing, however security comes first.”

The previous world quantity two harassed that a large number of gamers are dreaming of taking part in on the US Open, nevertheless there are nonetheless considerations that the match might result in an outbreak of latest coronavirus instances.

“In fact there’s an opportunity. When you’ve 256 singles gamers travelling from totally different elements of the world taking the planes with their workforce members. Plus there shall be 128 doubles gamers. In fact it’s a excessive danger. Maybe it’s a little bit bit early to have competitions, as a result of tennis could be very very worldwide.

“Gamers are actually involved about factors and rankings. In the event that they don’t play they may drop within the rankings in distinction to different gamers who will be capable of play throughout that interval,” the participant stated.

Recalling the hardest video games she has ever had throughout her profession, Zvonareva named US famous person Serena Williams as maybe her most tough opponent.

“In fact it’s all the time robust to play in opposition to Serena, she is such a robust participant. She’s gained so many Slams and absolutely she is likely one of the most hardest opponents on the market,” Zvonareva stated.

“She has an all-around-the-court sport, she is ready to serve very onerous. However on the identical time she will place the ball wherever she needs. She not simply in regards to the energy, she can also be a artful participant, she reads the sport. She understands the second when she must play the sure means. She will additionally change her sport plan in the course of the match, not so many gamers are in a position to adapt shortly. There are a lot of issues that make her nice,” the athlete added.

Zvonareva, who has 12 WTA titles to her title, stated that successful an Olympic bronze medal was the most important victory in her profession.

“One of many largest victories for me is thrashing Li Na who’s a Chinese language tremendous star. I used to be taking part in in opposition to her for the bronze medal in Beijing. It was a really particular win for me,” Zvonareva stated.

“You’re ready for Olympics, you go there and then you definitely lose your semifinal. However you continue to have an opportunity to win a medal. So that you misplaced the match, you might be very disenchanted, however you continue to have to return the subsequent day and attempt to get that bronze medal. And if you happen to don’t, you realize you’re feeling like you might be completed fourth, however you don’t have anything. You fought so onerous however on the finish of the day you don’t have anything.

“I couldn’t sleep after my semifinal loss, however I nonetheless wanted to go on the market and compete. I did my greatest, I performed nice tennis. I beat the Chinese language participant in Beijing for the bronze medal. For positive that match was particular.”