Novak Djokovic defended after picture emerged of US exit before ATP suspension announced

Novak Djokovic was pictured leaving America before it was confirmed that there would be a six-week suspension on the ATP tour. The men’s professional tennis tour confirmed there would be a hiatus on the calendar as the world deals with coronavirus. Djokovic’s fitness trainer Marco Panichi posted a picture on social media of the world No 1 on a plane. However, Noah Rubin, Japanese tennis player responded to the image saying: “So Djokovic is leaving US before any tournaments post IW are cancelled or postponed. What info am I missing?" “Being in the dark is common in this world. Let’s keep telling a select few what’s happening while the rest just guess." But speaking on Tennis Channel, Paul Annacone and Lindsay Davenport leapt to the defence of the Serbian. Annacone said: "I have a sneaking suspicion that as president of the player council he will be on the first people to know when the decision was made and that oftentimes it is different from when it is announced." Davenport then added: "People have to remember, players can make personal decisions. "And if he felt he needed to get back to his family, maybe he doesn't care about one tournament that may or may not go on. "We don't know exactly when everything was decided and when he knew but players have the right to decide what they want to do. Two small kids at home also, I'm sure that was weighing on his mind." Source: Express

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