Djokovic & Federer Urge Fans To Stay Home

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have joined the large list of ATP Tour players who are staying at home and playing their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Djokovic took to Instagram on Sunday and encouraged fans to join him in practising social distancing. The World No. 1 said that flattening the curve will require a worldwide effort and saluted the medical professionals who are working to treat those currently infected.

“Very challenging times for everyone. I am sending support and prayers,” Djokovic wrote. “Please stay at home in quarantine and help frontline medical people to help all the people infected and in need. Let’s not burden them in these critical times more than they already are.”

“We are all one. We all live in the same world. Please treat people and nature like you would treat yourself. God bless you all. We will be stronger and more united, I am sure.”

?: @DjokerNole | #tennisathome

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 22, 2020

His views are also shared by Federer. The Swiss answered federal councillor Alain Berset, Head of the Federal Department of Home Affairs, in an Instagram challenge. Berset stressed that everyone has a part to play in fighting the virus and invited Federer, along with TV host Christa Rigozzi and rapper Stress, to share the message with their social media followers.

“I wash my hands several times a day and I stay at home. It is very important to think about the older and more vulnerable people. We have to keep a distance of two metres and we don’t shake hands at the moment,” Federer said. “These are difficult times and I hope that everyone takes this seriously.”

Federer and Djokovic are both spending quality time with their families while staying at home. Djokovic urged others to do the same, be kind to others and try to make the best of the current situation.

“We can’t be healthy if our world isn’t healthy. This is the time for all of us to get together and unite,” Djokovic said. “Let’s really try to spend quality time with our family at home [and] enjoy the little things in life. Let’s try to laugh, love and dedicate time to inner work… This is a great opportunity to do that.

“We are all one. We all live in the same world. Please treat people and nature like you would treat yourself. God bless you all. We will be stronger and more united, I am sure.”