Spanish club apologizes to Djokovic for lockdown confusion
Updated 07:51, 06-May-2020
CGTN
Serbia's Novak Djokovic kisses the trophy after winning the Dubai Tennis Championships in Dubai, UAE, February 29, 2020. /VCG

Serbia's Novak Djokovic kisses the trophy after winning the Dubai Tennis Championships in Dubai, UAE, February 29, 2020. /VCG

The Spanish tennis club where world number one Novak Djokovic was seen training in violation of the rules of Spain's lockdown to fight the novel coronavirus pandemic has confirmed it had given the Serbian permission to play there.

Djokovic posted a video on Instagram showing him exchanging shots with another man at a tennis club in the coastal city of Marbella, where the Serb has reportedly stayed.

Djokovic filmed the video while hitting shots and wrote he was "so happy to play on clay ... well, just for a bit with my phone in the hands."

Spain on Monday loosened some of the lockdown measures that had been in place since mid-March, allowing professional athletes to return to practice. 

Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) and his wife enjoy their holiday in Marbella, Spain, August 1, 2019. /VCG

Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) and his wife enjoy their holiday in Marbella, Spain, August 1, 2019. /VCG

But sports facilities are supposed to remain closed at least until next week in most parts of the country, with the exception of training centers for teams in professional leagues in sports such as football.

"We understood that professional athletes were able to train and authorized Mr Djokovic to use our facilities. After speaking with the tennis federation they made it clear to us he had to wait until May  to use the tennis club," said the Puente Romano statement.

"We shared this clarification with Mr Djokovic and both parties have agreed to restart training from that day. We regret that our misinterpretation of the rules may have inconvenienced Mr Djokovic in good faith."

(With input from agencies)

Source(s): AP