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'Shut the f**k up': Tennis star's scathing attack on Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic looking bewildered after a point.
Novak Djokovic has come under fire for missing an ATP Zoom call to help discuss the future of the tour. (Getty Images)

American tennis player Noah Rubin has lit up World No.1 and ATP Player Council President Novak Djokovic for his absence during a crucial meeting to get the Tour back underway.

Serbian star Djokovic held a three-day charity Adria Tour event over the weekend in Serbia after the relaxation of coronavirus restrictions in his home country.

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Despite the controversy, regarding the lack of social-distancing at the Adria Tour, the event treated fans to a host many of the world’s top players including Dominic Thiem and Alexander Zverev.

Djokovic also took part in a football match during the time and was seen partying following the tournament.

But while the event took place, Rubin said Djokovic missed an important ATP Zoom call on whether the Cincinnati Masters and US Open should be played.

The Zoom call featured more than 300 players and went for 3.5-hour call, according to Rubin.

But watching Djokovic play football, and knowing his position on the US Open debate, infuriated the World No.225 and sparked him to question whether he should be in his role.

“These pictures of him playing soccer have surfaced. You can make time for that but you can’t get on a Zoom call for 30 seconds?" he said on the Behind the Racquet Podcast.

Noah Rubin hits the tennis ball during a match.
Noah Rubin of the United States returns the ball during his men's singles first round match. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

“Don’t put yourself in a situation where you are relied on. If you wanna look out for yourself, look out for yourself, this sport was built for that,” he added.

“But then don’t put yourself in a situation where others rely on you. If I can’t get in touch with you, if you aren’t helping me out, if you can’t get on a f***ing Zoom call, what is the point of all of this?”

But Rubin wasn’t finished claiming Djokovic’s absence was just a sign that tennis is a “logistical nightmare” and was “really a lost cause.”

Rubin slams Djokovic’s US Open stance

He then let rip at Djokovic for slamming the restrictions the US Open would most likely be implementing, for the tournament to go ahead, as America is gripped with the coronavirus pandemic.

“We’re giving you a tournament with 95 percent of the prize money of last year. You’re not playing in front of the fans who were giving you that prize money,” he said.

“And you’re complaining that the physios at the ATP might not be good enough for your two weeks there? Like, shut the f*** up. Just understand what is actually taking place.”

Djokovic initially caused a stir in the tennis world after admitting that as things currently stand, he would rather skip America's grand slam and focus on the French Open.

The governor of New York Andrew Cuomo announced on Tuesday the 2020 tennis US Open will go ahead behind closed doors from August 31.