Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic criticised by Edwin Weindorfer

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have been heavily criticised by the director of the ATP sanctioned Vienna Open, Edwin Weindorfer, for taking part in an exhibition match to be played in Kazakhstan on October 24, to raise money for charity. The criticism comes after the revelation that both the players will not be taking part in the Vienna Open and Swiss Indoors tournament.

Nadal and Djokovic slammed

Edwin stated that he did not like the fact about an exhibition match being played in between such ATP sanctioned tournaments. In addition to this, he said that all the professional players are the members of the ATP and there a particular time period after the ATP tour finals, in which they can play any match.

Even though Novak and Rafael got prior permission from the ATP chief, Chris Kermode but as per the set rules, exhibition matches cannot be conducted during ATP tournaments and that is something that needs to be respected.

Read: ATP Tennis Finals: Rafael Nadal Stays On Top, Zverev Inches Closer

A set rule by the ATP

The rules set by the ATP state that no player can be a part of an exhibition match during the tournament weeks of any ATP masters tournament or an ATP Tour 500 tournament in both the singles and the doubles format.

A new world no. 1

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic will lose his World No. 1 ranking to Rafael Nadal due to his participation in the charity match. Nadal is poised to top the ATP rankings regardless of his performance in the upcoming Paris Masters tournament because Novak will be losing out on the 1000 ATP Finals tournament points because of his decision to not play in the Vienna Open.

Read: Rafael Nadal Set To Become No 1 After Djokovic's Early Shanghai Exit

Roger Federer's attempt to win an Olympic gold

Meanwhile, Roger Federer confirmed that he would be playing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Federer's first Olympics participation came at the 2000 Sydney tournament. He went on to win a doubles gold in the 2008 Olympics alongside Stan Wawrinka and a silver medal in the 2012 edition, where he was defeated 6-2, 6-1, 6-4 in straight sets by an inspired Andy Murray. Although, he was sidelined for the 2016 Olympics due to a knee injury.

Read: Roger Federer Fumes At Offcial During Shanghai Masters Clash Vs Zverev

Read: Daniil Medvedev Withdraws From Kremlin Cup Citing Exhaustion

(With inputs from agencies)