Ivan Dodig, with Austin Krajicek, triumphed in doubles at Roland Garros to take home his fourth Paris trophy. However, the Croatian tennis player, who was only two points away from defeat against Francisco Cabral and Rafael Matos, delivered a very sharp speech against the tournament organization immediately after the medal ceremony.
“I have something important to say. This is my fourth trophy here in Paris. I’ve won Roland Garros four times and seven Grand Slams in total, but I’m very sad because I didn’t receive the treatment every athlete deserves. This means that everyone should be treated equally in order to be able to compete with each other.”, began Dodig. And then came the harsher criticism.
“I’m sorry to say this, but I came to this tournament by taxi for 15 days and was late for the warm-up. I waited 40 minutes for the taxi and was treated like a tourist in Paris. This tournament should treat every player and every champion as they deserve. I hope they do better next year. said the tennis player.
Although Dodig had achieved an important success on the field, he subsequently pointed out the organizational shortcomings of the tournament, stating that these circumstances not only made him feel neglected but also hampered his preparation for the Games. His speech marks a tense moment in a tournament that takes place in the heart of world tennis, in Paris, and has a long and prestigious history.
Let’s hope Dodig’s words spur the Roland Garros organizers to improve the conditions for all tennis players. In conclusion, it is important to emphasize that respect and due attention to every athlete, regardless of their level of fame or the number of trophies won, should be at the heart of any sporting competition.
