Vezzali’s comments came at a time when unvaccinated individuals in Italy are still prohibited from entering hotels and restaurants under the Covid-19 rules. The comments have generated a furore on social media, while also drawing strong reactions from fellow government officials.
Italian Olympic Committee president Giovanni Malago has now joined the growing chorus against allowing the World No. 1 to be allowed to play. Malago said allowing the 20 time Grand Slam champion to participate in the ATP 1000 event sends out the wrong message and “absolutely wouldn’t be right”.
Malago further revealed that he receives “a dozen emails” every day from furious parents asking for the rationale behind allowing the Serbian to play at the event when their children aren’t allowed to participate in any sport.
Notably, Italy’s undersecretary for health, Andrea Costa, had also expressed her concerns about allowing the World No. 1 to play at the Rome Masters. Costa appealed to the Serb to “set a good example” to his large following.
Novak Djokovic edges closer to the 2022 Dubai Tennis Championships crown
Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, inched closer to marking a successful return to the tour at the 2022 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Playing in his first tournament of the season, the World No. 1 has posted comprehensive wins over Lorenzo Musetti and Karen Khachanov. He now finds himself just a few wins away from securing the crown in Dubai.
The 34-year-old Serb will be up against Czech Republic’s Jiri Vesely in the quarterfinals.
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