Australian Open fallout leads to harsh criticism and restriction for players
The Australian Open has led to significant fallout with Madison Keys barred from a WTA event due to her ranking, and criticism directed at journalist Tony Jones for comments about Novak Djokovic.
The Australian Open women's champion, Madison Keys, has been barred from participating in her upcoming WTA event due to her soaring ranking.
Viktor Troicki, Serbia's Davis Cup captain, has called for journalist Tony Jones to be "banned for life" over his disparaging remarks about Novak Djokovic during the Australian Open. Djokovic is anticipated to miss around two months of competition as he recuperates from a hamstring injury he sustained in the tournament, leading to an unfortunate booing incident by the crowd when he exited in the semi-finals against Alexander Zverev.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner, has withdrawn from Serbia's Davis Cup match against Denmark this weekend. Troicki expressed his strong disapproval regarding how Djokovic was treated in Australia, noting, "To mock an athlete during the tournament is unacceptable. I don't think an apology is enough. I think he should be banned for life from covering tennis."
Troicki voiced his disappointment regarding the booing, particularly in a venue where Djokovic has enjoyed tremendous success, winning 10 titles. "It was really disrespectful and disappointing," he stated.
Meanwhile, the situation surrounding Keys has left tennis enthusiasts shocked. Initially, she was set to compete in the ATX Open in Texas next month, a WTA 250 event. She had a ranking of 21 before the tournament but ascended to World No.7 after her Australian Open victory.
According to WTA regulations, only one player ranked inside the top 10 can participate in 250-level tournaments, aimed at promoting balanced competition across all WTA events. Since Jessica Pegula, ranked World No.6, had registered for the ATX Open prior to Keys, Madison is now ineligible to compete.
Tournament director Christo van Rensburg expressed his disappointment regarding the rule while announcing the news, stating, "While we wish the top-10 rule didn't apply to our tournament, we respect the rules of the WTA. Madison's grand slam title and top-10 ranking are commendable." He also mentioned their eagerness to welcome Keys in future ATX Opens and expressed excitement for Pegula's first appearance.
This situation highlights a significant difference between the rules governing the ATP Tour and the WTA, provoking frustration among fans and analysts who have labelled the restriction as "crazy" and "stupid."
