USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia speaks to the crowd during the trophy presentation ceremony after his match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia (not pictured) in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia speaks to the crowd during the trophy presentation ceremony after his match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia (not pictured) in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
Former Australian Open director Paul McNamee has come out and criticized the Australian government for its handling of the Novak Djokovic visa fiasco. McNamee supported the World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, and he believes Djokovic was abiding by the rules and should be allowed to compete.
In addition, McNamee feels there’s a clear misunderstanding between federal and state governments. Djokovic is currently being held in detention by the Australian government.
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Former Australian Open director backs Novak Djokovic
The story revolving around Novak Djokovic is constantly taking turns. After denying the validity of Novak’s visa, he wasn’t allowed to enter Melbourne by the airport authorities. Amidst this chaos, Former Australian Open director Paul McNamee shared his displeasure with the Australian government.
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
McNamee said, “This is the only player ever known in the history of the Australian Open that has his visa rescinded… So clearly that’s a left-hand right-hand problem between the federal government and state government are believed and it’s been a problem we have seen for the last two years in Australia.”
McNamee feels Novak Djokovic is becoming a ‘Kafkaesque’ victim ahead of the Australian Open 2022 due to mismanagement between the branches of Australian government.
Watch this story: The Journey of Roger Federer to the Elite Billionaire’s Club
He’s entitled to fair play, says McNamee
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Furthermore, in the same interview, Paul McNamee told that Djokovic is abiding by all the rules. He stated, “The guy played by the rules, he got his visa, he arrives, he’s a nine-time champion, and whether people like it or not, he’s entitled to fair play.”
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Paris Masters – Accor Arena, Paris, France – November 5, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic in action during his quarter final match against Taylor Fritz of the U.S. REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
McNamee even suggested that there might be a political agenda underneath the entire fiasco.
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Djokovic’s time in Australia has been full of twists and we’ll have to wait for the next step in this engaging story. The Australian Open 2022 will take place at Melbourne Park beginning on January 17th. Do you think Djokovic will participate in the Grand Slam?
ALSO READ: WATCH: Novak Djokovic’s Parents and Demonstrators Gather in Serbia Following His Visa Cancellation
