Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic is on a stage where he can end up becoming the greatest tennis player ever in the history of tennis. The 35-year-old has 21 Grand Slam titles to his name and is only one short of Rafael Nadal(22). However, his fans are worried if the legend can go past Nadal’s all-time tally. It’s not because they doubt his game. The reason behind it is the principles that Djokovic carries.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Djokovic has made it pretty clear that he will not get the covid-19 vaccine. The price that he has paid for it is sitting at home when the Grand Slam events were going on. Before the start of the 2023 Australian Open, fans react to the recent BBC interview Djokovic did and hailed him as a ‘hero’ for sticking up to his principles.
Novak Djokovic on his stand against vaccination
Since the vaccination mandates came into play, Djokovic has missed out on many important tournaments. The most hurting ones for his fans were two Grand Slam events that he missed. At the start of this year, he could not travel to Australia to defend his Australian Open title. Later he had to skip the US Open because of travel restrictions for unvaccinated foreigners.
In the BBC interview, Djokovic made it crystal clear that he is not going to break his principles even if it cost him the glory of becoming the GOAT.
“Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title.”
~Novak DjokovicAnd he got discriminated and vilified for this. We live in an inverted world.
— James Melville (@JamesMelville) October 14, 2022
Here’s what he said. “My decision was not going to Australia, and I was prepared not to go. I understand that not being vaccinated today, I’m unable to travel to most of the tournaments. That is the price that I am willing to pay.”
Djokovic further added, “Because the principles of decision making on my body are more import than any title or anything else”
As this video had resurfaced, Djokovic’s fans get together to praise the Serbian for his unwavering mindset.
Overwhelmed with the clarity of thoughts Djokovic has a fan lauded him for his stance.
Djokovic has the right perspective on life… nobody can take away his tennis accomplishments… but his principals are above that, which is the example we should all follow https://t.co/My8p7InjuN
— GreenerGrass (@Greener7158) October 14, 2022
“Novax is the man!” another fan tweeted.
Novax is the man!#TeamNovax https://t.co/b45aj5lWli
— Rad_vann (@RadRickVann) October 14, 2022
Another fan applauded the Serb for his fearless approach and the sacrifice that he is ready to make for standing true to his principles.
This is the definition of standing for something you truly believe in. I wish I had more knowledge and did more legitimate research before being fear mongered into getting vaccinated back in February and March of 2021… we learn from our mistakes https://t.co/Qn5zdhX842
— D-Baby (@darrian_dasilva) October 14, 2022
“I respect and honor this guy so much!!” another fan reacted.
I respect and honor this guy so much!! https://t.co/ZemYbbChSm
— Pat Ashby (@DarlaEloise) October 14, 2022
Noticing the reaction from the interviewer, a fan wrote, “Mental looking back at it how baffled the interviewer is here and making out that his decisioning was bewildering.”
Mental looking back at it how baffled the interviewer is here and making out that his decisioning was bewildering https://t.co/6DF2AIwKOp
— MacroCryptoGuy 👟🌩 (@MacroCryptoGuy) October 14, 2022
Another fan was not happy with the way the interviewer reacted to it.
I agree ! The interviewer is sooo dramatic WHY! WHY! Cause tennis is a sport he plays, his body has to carry him through the rest of his life. It’s about CHOICE! https://t.co/Trzqr7sNPj
— ihartmygt (@ihartmygt) October 14, 2022
Supportive of Djokovic’s stand, another user wrote, “Yeah Life first.”
Yeah Life first. https://t.co/1o7ZqZ6yYl
— Jose(G-NEX Innovations ) (@JosephUding) October 14, 2022
Targeting the trolls mocking Djokovic, a fan sarcastically tweeted, “Are people still mocking Djoker? Just asking for a friend.”
Are people still mocking Djoker? Just asking for a friend. https://t.co/DFhvlGTeSl
— Helen Arvanitopoulos (@HelenArvan) October 14, 2022
Another fan who was not impressed with the way the interviewer said, “Principles are clearly an alien concept to this interviewer.”
Principles are clearly an alien concept to this interviewer. https://t.co/bPGpxxPE0f
— Anti-Totalitarian ᏕᎯМ 🍊🚛🚜💜🌸🏴🇬🇧 (@swinny198) October 14, 2022
A fan with containing opinion also reacted to the video.
So why did he tried to play against the rules. He only needed to say that he chooses what to do with his body and stay at home. People are free to make own decisions but he was forcing his on the games rules https://t.co/Wm6SOXLLHk
— Susanna (@Susanna47098522) October 14, 2022
A fan suggested Djokovic to put up a case against his haters.
@DjokerNole i think its time to make a court case against all of them who was trying to cancel you because their Lies!!! I think now when more people woke up you will have even bigger support 👊🙌👊 You are THE MAN 🤟 https://t.co/gv3wlvc2tv
— Follow me down the Rabbit Hole (@Zwezda) October 14, 2022
“Absolute fucking hero,” a fan touted.
Watch this story: Serena Williams sends love as Roger Federer hangs his racket
Absolute fucking hero https://t.co/QtQAxuMLfZ
— Galaxy Quest (@galaxy_quest73) October 14, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Another supportive fan wanted more people like Djokovic to raise and stand for what they believe in.
We need more
Novaks shouting this out, to wake up the living dead😇 https://t.co/JpY2kdRVWI— Andy Smith (@AndySmith151) October 14, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Djokovic still has a chance to end up as the greatest tennis player of all time. However, with his principles on the way, it seems difficult if the rules are not going to change soon. Do you want to see Djokovic end on the top? Let us know in the comments.