Giovanni Malagó doesn’t want Djokovic in Rome. © ANSA / ETTORE FERRARI / FRR
In May, the Masters 1000 tournament will take place in Rome. Novak Djokovic also wants to intervene there. Giovanni Malagó now gave the Serb a rebuff.
February 22, 2022
From: never
From a legal point of view, there would be no objection to Djokovic’s participation. Nonetheless, a moral dilemma is opening up for the President of Italy’s National Olympic Committee (CONI). “The message would just be wrong. Every day I receive messages from mothers and fathers complaining that the rules do not allow their children to play sports,” explained Malagó.
Djokovic’s appearance, who already caused a real drama at the Australian Open, would only cause a lack of understanding among the population. “He can’t play,” was his conclusion. Adriano Panatta, former French Open winner, also called for the Serb to be excluded. “The wrong message is being conveyed. I find his presence unacceptable.”
Opinions differ
Valentina Vezzali, on the other hand, takes a different position. The State Secretary defended Djokovic’s possible appearance. The current rules would allow him to enter the country, and he could also pursue his sporting activities with a negative corona test.
In the spotlight again: Novak Djokovic. © ANSA / ALI HAIDER
The situation is more difficult with the accommodation that the world number one would move into during the clay court tournament. In order to be allowed to enter hotels and restaurants, a vaccination or proof of recovery is required in Italy. And as is well known, the Serb does not have that. “It is not a matter of course that you shower, sleep and eat in a camper van,” Malagó continued.
Djokovic is currently at the ATP 500 tournament in Dubai. In the run-up to his appearance there, he even held out the prospect of a possible vaccination in order to avoid such difficulties in the future. “Never say Never. I’m not ruling it out,” he said. In any case, this could quickly end the discussion about his participation in Rome. However, it remains to be seen whether this will ultimately happen.
