Djokovic criticises ATP for ignoring players` interest

Madrid: World No.1 men`s tennis player Novak Djokovic has hit out at ATP for failing to consult the players before approving the Madrid Open`s controversial court change from red clay to blue.

The change has stirred up strong reactions from some top players including Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who were complaining about the negative consequences. For Djokovic, it`s the ATP who should be blamed rather than the tournament organisers. "The only thing that is a little bit disappointing from a player`s standpoint is that this was decided without the players agreeing on it. So that is the most disappointing thing really," he was quoted as saying by Xinhua. "If you don`t have especially the top players testing the court and agreeing on this change, that should mean something. "There should be evaluation in what they say but unfortunately that wasn`t the case. I am not blaming the tournament organisers because the tournament is fighting for their own interest. The ATP should have done a better job in representing the players` rights and protecting what they want and what they say," he said. The Serbian tennis star hinted the court colour could be changed from blue to the usual red. "As I understand we have the agreement for one year. We will see what is going to happen at the end of the week," he said. IANS