Category: Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic Denied Visa for Miami Open and Indian Wells; Joe Biden Intervenes.

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has reportedly been denied an entry visa for the Miami Open and Indian Wells in the United States. Djokovic, who went through a lengthy period of controversy last year due to his decision to not get vaccinated for Covid-19 may just face similar problems this year in the United States. 

Djokovic had an open training session last week and then held a press conference, where he revealed he had applied for a special permit. “Everything is currently in the process. I have a big desire to be there. I am really thankful to the Indian Wells and Miami tournament (officials) and community for their support publicly and they would like me to be able to play in their tournaments”, he said.

The Serbian began this season with his 92nd career title at the 2023 Adelaide International 1. At the Australian Open, he dropped only one set en route to the final, where he defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to clinch his record-extending 10th Australian Open title. 

He also tied Rafael Nadal for the Open Era record of 22 men’s singles major title, and also snatched the world no. 1 ranking from Carlos Alcaraz.

YouTube Link; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rujpEhWJzwY

Tennis Ace Djokovic Believes Controversial Australian Open 2022 Exit is Hard to Forget

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic believes he will never forget the controversial turn of events that led to him being deported from the Australian Open 2022. The controversy surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations was the most trending topic in global tennis last year, and Djokovic will have a hard time forgetting it. 

The former world number 1 is currently in Australia for the Grand Slam this year and hopes things go smoothly this time around. 

“You can’t forget those events, it’s one of those things that stick with you,” said Djokovic in his first news conference since returning to Australia.

“It stays with you for the rest of your life. It’s something I’ve never experienced before and hopefully never again, but it is a valuable life experience for me.

“But I have to move on and coming back to Australia speaks about how I feel about this country and how I feel about playing here.”

“It’s a great place and the people in Adelaide, and generally in Australia, love tennis, love sports and it’s a sporting nation so hopefully we’re going to have a lot of people watching and we can have a good time,” Djokovic said.

“I’m hoping everything is going to be positive. Obviously, it’s not something that I can predict. I’ll do my best to play some good tennis and bring good emotions and good feelings to the crowd.”

Djokovic is motivated for the coming year and specifically the Australian Open for its highly competitive environment. 

YouTube Link; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0QN88SbI78

Nadal and Djokovic Agree that Roland Garros Quarter Final Started Too Late

French tennis ace Rafael Nadal has agreed with Novak Djokovic that their French Open Quarter-final clash started too late.

“It is too late, without a doubt,” said Nadal. He had requested not to go ahead with the evening session.

“I can’t complain because we have two days off now but if you only have one day off, or like [Alexander] Zverev had in Madrid when he had to play the final the next day, then it’s a big issue.”

“I understand the other part of the business, without a doubt, that television pays a lot of money. We need to find a balance.”

Djokovic believed the same as he appreciate the grace of Nadal’s tennis in the tough moments of the game.

“I think they are starting too late. But TV decides, that’s the world we live in,” said Djokovic.

“He was just able to take his tennis to another level in those particular moments in the beginning of all sets, except the fourth…”

“I had my chances but he showed why he’s a great champion, staying mentally tough… he deserved it.”

Rafael Nadal now inches closer to winning this year’s French Open. Only time will tell whether the King of Clay gets his hands on the trophy.

 

YouTube Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7vnjuYW8dE

 

Novak Djokovic Slams BBC for Crucial Interview

Controversial Serbian tennis star has hit out at BBC for a public tell-all interview he did with them after his ordeal at the Australian Open. The Serbian tennis star was the topic of all discussions after he was refused entry into Australia due to his inability to get vaccinated in time.

While Djokovic held his tongue during the course of the tournament, he later went towards BBC and gave a tell-all interview that included all details.

However, the Serb star is now angry at BBC for the way they reported the interview and for the way they misinformed the public through their inadequate reporting measures.

“I was painted in a really ugly manner,” he told the Sport Klub, “I was humiliated, if I may say so, on a world stage.

“That is why it is important for me to have the opportunity to say something. I will repeat what I said to the BBC, because I don’t have more to add.

“I’ve done everything that was asked of me.

“There is a belief that I was privileged in a way, that I [got the exemption] because of my stature.

“I will keep saying it and repeat it like a parrot, although the BBC has cut that part of the interview: 10 days before me, a Czech tennis player and Croatian coach entered Australia with the same medical exemption.

“She played a tournament, he coached his player no problem at all. Suddenly I come and there is a problem. Why? You tell me.”

The 34-year-old Serb star is still to get a nod by organizers to play in the French Open. However, he will play in Rome to get back into competitive action. With Nadal leading the competition, Djokovic would like to get back in competitive action and be back in winning ways.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNaIMC4XMhc

Novak Djokovic Could be Banned from This Year’s Australian Open Over Failures to Reveal Vaccination Status

The government of Australia could ban Tennis ace Novak Djokovic from travelling to Down Under for the Australian Open if he does not reveal his vaccination status soon. 

The administration expects all players to be fully vaccinated before they can fly in for the tournament. Victorian State administrator Daniel Andrews has had a say on the matter and believes there is a line for players wanting to enter the state for the Grand Slam. 

“I don’t think an unvaccinated tennis player is going to get a visa to come into this country,” he said. “If they did get a visa, they’d probably have to quarantine for a couple of weeks when no other players will have to.

“I don’t think any other tennis player, or golfer, or Formula One driver, will even get a visa to get here. The vaccine doesn’t care what your tennis ranking is or how many Grand Slams you have won. Sorry, the virus does not care. Professional sport is part of that authorised worker list and they have to be double-dose vaccinated.”

Last year’s Australian Open was a debacle itself as players were required to quarantine inside hotels for lengthy periods to meet the strict requirements set by the administration. 

Djokovic has refused to open up on his vaccination status currently and his decision of making it to the Australian Open is still hanging by a thread. 

“Things beings as they are, I still don’t know if I will go to Melbourne,” Djokovic said. “I will not reveal my status whether I have been vaccinated or not, it is a private matter and an inappropriate inquiry.

“Of course I want to go, Australia is my most successful grand slam tournament. I want to compete, I love this sport and I am still motivated.

“I am following the situation regarding the Australian Open … I believe there will be a lot of restrictions just like this year, but I doubt there will be too many changes.”

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEsK5BbcGUQ