World No 1 Novak Djokovic said on Thursday that he would reconsider taking part in the Tokyo Olympics if spectators were banned from attending.
His reaction came after calls grew in Japan for the Games to take place behind closed doors, with one doctors’ association saying the event should be cancelled altogether.
“I plan on playing in the Olympics, as long as fans are allowed,” said Djokovic in a press conference.
“If not, I’d think twice about participating.”
He is not the first tennis player to express doubts over the reschedules Olympics – Rafael Nadal and Serena Williams recently said they were unsure whether they would compete.
Roger Federer said athletes needed a firm decision on whether the event is going ahead, adding he was still in two minds.
Japanese stars Naomi Osaka and Kei Nishikori have both raised concerns about whether Tokyo should be hosting the Games at all.
Medical groups have warned the massive event could introduce new variants to Japan even as parts of Japan, including capital Tokyo, are still under states of emergency.
