Tennis: Alexander Zverev calls Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s more luxurious isolation conditions a mistake

Alexander Zverev has expressed his feelings about the fancy isolation conditions Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal are enjoying in Adelaide, calling it a mistake.

Although the German had no reservations about being forced into quarantine ahead of the Australian Open, he believes allowing a select group of players to enjoy stays in higher-end Adelaide hotels for their obligatory 14 days of isolation was unacceptable.

Zverev reached the semi-finals at Melbourne Park last year and would be hoping to do better this year and he thinks Tennis Australia had done a great job in difficult circumstances.

However, he expressed his disapproval that the likes of Djokovic, Nadal as well as Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka and Dominic Thiem were controversially allowed to stay in what were seen as more favourable conditions compared to the rest of the players sequestered in more modest Melbourne hotels.

“I think maybe the only real mistake that there was the Adelaide thing for top players,” the world No 7 told a news conference at Melbourne Park.

“Because they did get more practice time, they did get more freedom. But other than that, the quarantine and the flights, we have to accept that.

“We have to understand that Australia doesn’t have any COVID cases at all except for us tennis players and we shouldn’t complain too much about the circumstances.”

Zverev will get a chance to get some match fitness when he spearheads the German challenge in the ATP Cup, which starts on Tuesday.

He also addressed his recent split with coach David Ferrer, explaining that the Spaniard was not prepared to endure the long periods of quarantine away from his family necessary to travel on the circuit.

“At the time I was very surprised with the decision in a way, but I need to respect the reasons,” said Zverev, who is being coached by his father and brother Mischa.

“I don’t think it makes sense for me to look for anyone new during COVID-19 either. I think we left everything open with David.

“I think with my dad and with my brother more involved now, I have a great coaching team. I think I can win big tournaments with that coaching staff that I have.”