Officials at Indian Wells have come under fire from Australia’s John Millman after he was told that he was no longer eligible to have a practice session at the recently cancelled tournament.
On Sunday it was announced that the fifth slam of tennis has been suspended following advice from medical experts over the threat posed by Covid-19. A worldwide virus that has effectively placed the entire country of Italy on a lockdown. Indian Wells is the biggest tennis event to be cancelled due to Covid-19 to date.
However, many players are already at the venue. According to New York Times journalist Christopher Clarey, singles qualifying and main draw players have been given a complimentary week of accommodation in Indian Wells. Furthermore, they have been allowed access to practice courts and on-site facilities.
Singles qualifying and main draw players will get a week of complimentary accommodation in Indian Wells. Practice courts will be available during that time and other services on site. Will feel like the run-up to the tournament except this time there's no tournament https://t.co/4UQCjLXSlk
— Christopher Clarey 🇺🇸 🇫🇷 🇪🇸 (@christophclarey) March 9, 2020
Millman, who reached the third round of the Australian Open in January, is one of the players remaining in Indian Wells. The world No.43 wrote on Twitter that he booked a practice with a ‘high seed’ without naming the person. However, his plans were spoiled when the individual he planned to play against could no longer attend. Millman intended to go ahead and train, but was then surprisingly told he was no longer able to. Allegedly because ‘he was not a top player.’
“Meant to hit with a high seed tomorrow, that person cancelled today, obviously due to there being no tournament on anymore,” Millman wrote on Twitter.
“Informed practice I’d still use time and court as I’m still here. Practice desk said no I don’t get that time or court because I’m not a top player or past champ.
“Even when there’s no more tournament the bias is strong… classy.”
In another tweet, the 30-year-old explained that he is allowed to train on certain courts. However, he said that some courts are reserved for those who are either a ‘former champion’ or ‘top seed’ in the tournament.
Millman has featured in the final of two ATP tournaments and in the main draw of 20 grand slams so far in his career. Highlighted by his run to the quarter-final of the 2018 US Open. He has been ranked as high as 33rd in the world.
There is yet to be any formal comment from the Indian Wells tournament concerning what happened to Millman.
