Djokovic will play at Olympics only if fans allowed

May 28, 2021 | News On Japan

May 28, 2021 (Japan Today) - World number one Novak Djokovic said on Thursday that he would reconsider taking part in the Tokyo Olympics if spectators were banned from attending.

The world number one's reaction came after calls grew in Japan for the Games to take place behind closed doors, with one doctors' association saying the event should be cancelled altogether.

"I plan on playing in the Olympics, as long as fans are allowed," Djokovic said in a press conference. "If not, I'd think twice about participating."

Djokovic is not the first tennis star to express doubts over the rescheduled Olympics -- Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams recently said they were unsure whether they would compete.

Roger Federer said athletes needed a firm decision on whether the event is going ahead, adding he was still in two minds.

Japanese stars Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori have both raised concerns about whether Tokyo should be hosting the Games at all.

Medical groups have warned the massive event could introduce new variants to Japan even as parts of Japan, including capital Tokyo, are still under states of emergency.

Haruo Ozaki, chairman of the Tokyo Medical Association, said on Thursday that holding the Games without spectators "is the bare minimum given the current situation".

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