Australian Open 2012: Novak Djokovic Contradicts Himself in Comments on Nadal

What’s the deal with top-ranked men’s tennis players spouting off to the media and causing controversy?

First it was Rafael Nadal, who ripped Roger Federer for not publicly complaining about the grueling ATP event schedule.

Now it’s Novak Djokovic, who has an issue with the way Nadal public aired out his thoughts on the way the schedule currently plays out:

"

It's obvious that there are a lot of players in men's tennis that are, you know, complaining about the schedule and season. They don't even need to say much. But just looking at the injuries that we have, especially from the top players, including myself, it's obvious that we need some change. But I prefer talking in detail about these things more behind closed doors.

"

So he says it’s obvious that changes need to be made yet he prefers to talk about things behind closed doors?

Wow. Congrats on completely sending two different messages, Novak.

It’s clear that the players are upset about the grueling schedule and there have been plenty of vocal proponents. So when Djokovic says “it’s obvious that we need some change” then why not elaborate? The cats already out of the bag by making a comment like that, now he just seems like a suck-up to the ATP…which is essential what Nadal criticized Federer for.

Confused yet?

The stars of men’s tennis are playing an odd game of cat and mouse with each other and the tour officials and it makes you wonder how effective it really is.

One of the four major Grand Slam tournaments of the season is in full swing down under at the Australian Open and the hot-button issue right now is this schedule nonsense.

The focus needs to be on the games and not on whinny stars using their clout to bully the ATP. Djokovic is right; this is a closed door matter that the public doesn’t need to be a part of.

So stop talking about it!