‘You live by the sword, you die by it’. This quote certainly feels true to what has happened with Novak Djokovic before the Australian Open 2022. First, let us tell you what actually happened. Djokovic was supposed to play the Australian Open and announced that he has received a medical exemption to travel to Australia. But on arrival, his visa was revoked as his medical exemption was deemed invalid. Australian Home Affairs Minister, Karen Andrews then says that Novak is free to travel but that was the last bit of good news for the Serbian. Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke cancels Novak’s Visa and he is deported to Serbia. Now all this could have been avoided if Djokovic had decided to take the vaccine and he could have had a chance to win his 21st Grand Slam title. In the end, it was Rafael Nadal who defeated Daniil Medvedev in one of the greatest comebacks the World has ever seen.
Novak Djokovic has been a strong opponent to taking the vaccine and he has said that he has no intentions of taking the vaccine any time soon. Many countries require everyone to have a vaccine certificate ready if they want to enter the country but Djokovic decided not to take one. The Serbian has been criticized many times for his behavior, the best example was in 2020 when he decided to host a Tennis tournament at the peak of the Pandemic which also resulted in many players catching Covid-19. What was the need of Djokovic to organize a tournament and put himself and other lives at risk? Novak also tested positive just a few days before flying to Australia but his refusal to take the vaccine has cost him dearly. No doubt, Novak Djokovic is a legend of the game but his attitude is affecting his career and it is high time that he does what needs to be done. The Tennis world needs Djokovic back and playing sooner than later.
Djokovic’s participation in future Grand Slams is also in doubt with France also requiring players to take vaccines before entering the country. Roland Garros is one of the highlights of the year and the absence of Djokovic will certainly have an effect and the fans would definitely want to see the number 1 player in action. Djokovic now might be seen in Wimbledon as UK has relaxed some rules and that will be a sigh of relief for the legend. The Australian Open was a spectacle to watch, especially the final but would it have been better if the number.1 player in the world was around. Imagine watching a final between Djokovic and Nadal in their prime form. That would have been something. Not to mention, Daniil Medvedev did play well and I give him full credit for pushing Nadal as long as he did. But seeing two legends going at it for their 21st Grand Slam would have been too hard to ignore and we are hoping that we get to see Djokovic in action.
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