REPORTS: Novak Djokovic Breaks Lockdown Rules in Spain

World No.1 Novak Djokovic appears to have broken the confinement rules in Spain as he hit the tennis courts on Monday amid the strictly imposed lockdown.

Spain has allowed professional athletes in the country to train by themselves or with their coach. However, the country has still imposed a ban on players using the sports facilities until at least next week. The only exception is for teams in professional leagues in team sports such as soccer.

“So happy to play on clay” – Novak Djokovic

Despite the ban, Djokovic went to one of the tennis clubs in the coastal city of Marbella, where he is reportedly staying during the coronavirus lockdown. He also posted a video on Instagram showing him exchanging shots with a hitting partner. “So happy to play on clay. Well, just for a bit with my phone in the hands,” Djokovic wrote.

The Spanish tennis federation released a statement on Monday stating that professional players in Spain were allowed to exercise by themselves or with a coach, but not on a tennis court. The federation also revealed that it would work on a set of guidelines to inform players and clubs about what they would be permitted to do from next week onwards. It is still unclear if Djokovic is subjected to a fine for breaking the rules.

Earlier, Novak revealed he had initially struggled to train given the uncertainty surrounding the resumption of the sport.

“For us tennis players it is important that the calendar is clear. Officially it is July 13, many people say it is difficult we will start again on that day. For me, it is important to have a routine, I cannot keep on waiting for that day. I train every day at the gym, I run at home, I play with my kids and this is also hard work,” he said.

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Djokovic is clearly eager to start training on the tennis courts. However, we hope that the 17-time Grand Slam champion is abiding by the lockdown rules.