Novak Djokovic has had several problems this year due to his decision not to get vaccinated against the Coronavirus. The former world number 1 was unable to participate in two Majors (the Australian Open and the US Open), in addition to suffering serious image damage.
For the same reason, the Serbian phenomenon also had to miss all the American Masters 1000 (Indian Wells, Miami, Montreal and Cincinnati). After the disappointment at Roland Garros, the 35-year-old from Belgrade redeemed himself by triumphing at Wimbledon for the seventh time in his career.
He thus equals his idol Pete Sampras and shortens the distance that separates him from Rafael Nadal in the classification of all Slams. Goran Ivanisevic’s protégé won the tournaments in Tel Aviv and Astana, and secured a spot at the ATP Finals in Turin.
The Serbian wants to end the season on a good note, waiting to find out if he will be able to travel to Australia next January. Australian tennis legend Todd Woodbridge gave his thoughts on the matter. “It is important not to let personal opinions get in the way”, – began Woodbridge.
“It is not important whether or not you like Novak Djokovic as a player. You just have to refer to the regulations that regulate the entry of foreigners in Australia. It should be noted that, shortly after the Australian Open 2022, all the rules that had caused problems for Nole last January have been changed.
The situation is totally different from nine months ago, now there are no more COVID-related restrictions,” added Todd. On Eurosport Germany’s microphones, Mischa Zverev praised the Serb: “I think he is incredibly strong.”
Lisnard opens up on Djokovic
Daniil Medvedev’s youth coach and former ATP player Jean-Rene Lisnard is of the opinion that Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open participation is immaterial in deciding his greatness. “Djokovic is Djokovic, and he will remain so regardless of participation or non-participation in the Australian Open .
He is Superovich!” he said. “If he does not play in this or that tournament, what will happen to him? Only the tournament will suffer. He fights for his rights – and I think he is right. Before, I didn’t t really like him, but the further this whole situation went, the more sympathy I felt for him.
He is the only one in this tennis world who can call a spade a spade and do what he wants,” he said. “This commands great respect.”