With fans & handshakes: The tennis aces are back in Belgrade

The ambience of the Adriatic Tour, initiated by the world number one. Djokovic did not give any indication that these were show competitions during the corona pandemic. Before the eagerly awaited decision, probably this Monday, as to whether the US Open can actually take place in the heavily affected New York, the event is also viewed critically.

The German world number 7. Alexander Zverev, however, was pleased that there were spectators in the stands on Saturday even when he won 4-1, 4-1 against Serbian Viktor Troicki after midnight, which only ended after midnight. "That means a lot to me. When we started the tour, we didn't know whether we would be allowed to have spectators, now we can," said the 23-year-old on the pitch. On Sunday he lost his last preliminary round game against Djokovic despite an interim improvement 0:4, 4:1, 2:4. In the crossfire of criticism: The filled grandstands of the Adria Tour © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

In Serbia, after the Corona-related compulsory break, football games with an audience have been allowed again since June 1st, provided a safety distance of one meter is maintained between spectators. However, there was no evidence of such precautionary measures in tennis pictures or on television broadcasts. Zverev said goodbye to his opponent with a handshake and pat on the back, and also shook hands with the referee. Ball children were also on the field.

Djokovic wants to use the exhibition fight series to raise money for charitable purposes. Belgrade is the first of five originally planned tournament stops. However, the competition in Montenegro (June 5th & 27th) is canceled due to entry restrictions due to the pandemic. The ATP and WTA professional tours are still at a standstill, and the tournaments have been suspended at least until July 28st. It has not yet been decided whether Novak Djokovic will also play at the US Open this year © APA/afp / ANDREJ ISAKOVIC

It will be decided on Monday whether the US Open will actually begin at the end of August with accommodation in an airport hotel and only a small support staff and without access to Manhattan. Australian Open winner Djokovic had criticized the hygiene plans, and Zverev also shared the doubts. "It is going to be difficult. It's great when we get the opportunity to play. But I don’t think many players feel comfortable under these circumstances,” said the 23-year-old. “That’s my opinion, but it’s not really up to us players, the US Open decides anyway.”

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With fans & handshakes: The tennis aces are back in Belgrade

Spectators stand close together, Alexander Zverev passes them towels and hugs Novak Djokovic at the net after his defeat on Sunday. The elite of the tennis scene returned to the Adria Tour, an unofficial show tournament, in Belgrade at the weekend.

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