UFC Star Conor McGregor Slams Tennis Players Over Quarantine Complaints

KEY POINTS

Tennis athletes complaining about the Australian Open's quarantine protocols didn't sit well with Conor McGregor
McGregor has called for cooperation in the plight of a global health crisis
The Irishman urges every athlete to savor the opportunity to compete again

Conor McGregor’s focus has been laser-sharp towards his impending Octagon comeback against Dustin Poirier at the UFC 257 pay-per-view event on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

The Irishman has given many an interview talking about his rematch versus Poirier while also discussing his future in the UFC lightweight division.

But on Wednesday, speaking on Channel 10’s "The Project," McGregor took a break from all things UFC and his legendary verbal wrath was aimed towards professional tennis athletes preparing for the Australian Open in Melbourne.

“I am surprised the tennis players would be kicking up,” McGregor said, as quoted on news.com.au. “We have got to correct ourselves here, you know. There is a lot going on. There is a lot at risk. It is everyone’s duty here on this earth to do what they can.”

Australia has enforced strict rules ahead of the first tennis Grand Slam of the year and made it mandatory for every player to quarantine for 14 days once they arrive.

There have been complaints from many competitors about the situation, with Spaniard Roberto Bautista-Agut labeling his isolation a “prison sentence with WiFi.” Meanwhile, French player Alize Cornet claimed that all her practice is going to waste by staying indoors.

Novak Djokovic was also reported to have sent a list of demands to the tourney's organizers, which included the suggestion to allow players to move to homes with tennis courts.

These grievances have been ridiculed by the Australian media, and McGregor spoke his mind about the matter and urged the tennis payers to “get their act together” as the rest of the world continues to deal with the crippling effects of the pandemic.

“To get to compete in such a prestigious tennis tournament or any tournament, a two-week lockdown prior, they should welcome that with open arms," he stated. “I would urge the tennis players to get their act together and also embrace it and relish it and be happy they get to compete."

“People can’t go to work and children can’t even go to school. Professional athletes are complaining about a bit of isolation? C’mon, guys.”