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via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Bronze medal match – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 31, 2021. Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his bronze medal match against Pablo Carreno of Spain REUTERS/Mike Segar
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via Reuters
Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Men’s Singles – Bronze medal match – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 31, 2021. Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during his bronze medal match against Pablo Carreno of Spain REUTERS/Mike Segar
The nine-time Australian Open champion’s controversy has stunned the world, as Novak Djokovic is struggling to make his way to the Grand Slam. While some players have come forward in his support, others have given a more balanced view, reiterating the importance of listening to the medical experts.
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The Spaniard, Rafael Nadal, had earlier commented on Novak’s situation, asserting the importance of following the rules. Now, another tennis icon, Chris Evert, has backed up Nadal.
Chris Evert supports Rafael Nadal’s view on the Djokovic scenario
Novak Djokovic and his conquest for defending his Australian Open title took a dramatic turn as his visa was canceled as he landed at the Australian airport. The tennis world reacted to the bizarre situation, questioning the way Novak was treated at the airport.
Djokovic chose not to reveal his vaccination status and was granted a medical exemption by Tennis Australia.
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via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Paris Masters – Accor Arena, Paris, France – November 7, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his final match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
Interestingly, his arch-rival, Rafael Nadal, doesn’t stand with him in relation to vaccines. Nadal said, “From my point of view, the only thing that I can say is I believe in what the people who knows about medicine says.”
Nadal also added that the Australian people have suffered a lot due to lockdowns and thus, it’s understandable that they would be unhappy with perceived “special treatment” for Djokovic.
Me too…..👍👏 https://t.co/h22i9FTo9W
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) January 6, 2022
Former World No. 1 and 18-time grand slam winner, Chris Evert, supported Nadal’s view tweeting, ”Me too…..”
Read More: WATCH: Novak Djokovic’s Parents and Demonstrators Gather in Serbia Following His Visa Cancellation
Daniil Medvedev’s reaction to Novak Djokovic being held at the airport
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Russian tennis player, Daniil Medvedev, who has been Novak’s fierce rival lately, also opened up about the situation. Medvedev said, “If he had a fair exemption from the rule, well, he should be here; if he didn’t, he shouldn’t be here.”
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via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Paris Masters – Accor Arena, Paris, France – November 7, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic and Russia’s Daniil Medvedev before the final match REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
Currently, Djokovic is staying in an apartment given by the Australian government, away from his team. Novak was denied to stay in the apartment he had already rented.
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Do you think Novak Djokovic will be able to defend his title? Or will he have a disheartening return home?
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