Coronavirus Coping: Novak Djokovic Is Playing Tennis With Frying Pans

But there are much trickier problems to resolve should more leagues end their seasons early.

Consider relegation from the Premier League, which can bring a massive financial penalty. Aston Villa currently sit in a relegation place by 2 points. But the team has played one fewer game than the other relegation candidates, which Hammers fans would certainly consider unfair. If they were to win that (hypothetical) game, they would be out of the relegation zone.

And what will happen with leagues like the N.H.L. and N.B.A. that have playoffs? It seems likely that if they do not resume their seasons, they will emulate baseball in 1994 and the N.H.L. in 2005, two seasons that were ended by labor disputes and officially have no champion teams.

In contrast, Brescia, which sits in last place in Serie A in Italy, doesn’t seem too concerned about relegation. The team’s president, Massimo Cellino, told Gazzetta dello Sport: “This season doesn’t make sense anymore. For me, going back to business is pure madness. If they force us to, I am ready to not line up the team and lose the games, 3-0, by default, out of respect for the citizens of Brescia and their loved ones who are no longer there.”

Novak Djokovic ft. Frying Pans

Saddened by the cancellation of Wimbledon? Missing the Big 3 of men’s tennis? Well, they are all still out there, and offering glimpses of what’s going on with their lives.

For Roger Federer, it’s whacking shots off a backboard, between his legs and behind his back. In the snow. (He’s in Switzerland, after all.) He followed up with a second video that provides a wall’s eye view.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/02/sports/premier-league-djokovic-enes-kanter-coronavirus.html