Tokyo : Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic on Wednesday described playing conditions at the Tokyo Games as “really brutal” but welcomed the decision by organizers to push back match start times amid hot and humid conditions in the Japanese capital.
“I did experience certain similar days, one day in Miami or New York, or sometimes it happens here and there, but it’s one or two days, and then it passes. Here is every single day. So, it’s really draining players’ energy, and you just don’t feel yourself,” Djokovic added.
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced on Wednesday that tennis matches at the Ariake Tennis Park will begin at 3 p.m. (local) from Thursday after some players expressed dissatisfaction with and felt the effects of the playing conditions.
“In my opinion, it should have been done a few days earlier. But it is what it is. It’s better than starting at 11 a.m. It’s not just in my opinion. I’ve spoken to six out of eight quarterfinalists in men’s singles and everyone is in favor of starting later because the conditions are really brutal,” he said.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion was speaking after he and compatriot Nina Stojanovic secured victory in the first round of the mixed doubles tournament.
