‘He Shouldn’t Be Here’: Daniil Medvedev Believes Novak Djokovic Should Be Treated Exactly as Per the Rules

For months, there had been tonnes of confusion and ambiguity surrounding Novak Djokovic and his participation in the Australian Open 2022. Finally, the Serbian champion declared, a couple of days ago, that he had received a medical exemption to play in Australia.

However, Novak’s celebrations didn’t last long. Right upon landing in Melbourne, the Australian border forces detained him and cancelled Djokovic’s Australian visa! The entire tennis world has shared its opinions on the bizarre situation. In fact, even Australian politicians weighed in on the subject, sternly against the reigning Australian Open champion. Here is what Djokovic’s main title rival, Russian World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev, had to say about the matter.

Daniil Medvedev believes Novak Djokovic should be exempted only if his reasons are credible

Medvedev, who people consider Novak Djokovic‘s main rival at the Australian Open, shared his thoughts on the matter of the latter’s detention. “For me, it’s tough to say,” Medvedev said. “If he had a fair exemption from the rule, well, he should be here.”

On the other hand, Medvedev believes that if Djokovic did not have a fair exemption, then “he shouldn’t be here.” Of course, he acknowledged that it is easier said than done because practicality is often complex.

“It seems very tough in real life, and I don’t know the insides of the story,” Medvedev admitted to not knowing everything there is to know in the situation.

As is understandable, only Novak Djokovic’s team, the Australian border forces, and the government would know every detail about the matter.

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Again, limiting his comments on the matter, Medvedev re-emphasized that Novak should be here if he does indeed have an exemption. However, “if something was wrong with the papers and they didn’t let him in, well, that’s what happens sometimes,” the US Open champion stated.

Djokovic’s 21st Slam might have to wait

With everything that has happened, it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Novak Djokovic was indeed deported to Serbia. After all, he had already withdrawn from representing team Serbia in the ATP cup, as well. He is now fully at risk of losing his title at the Australian Open as well.

However, this also means that he would have one less opportunity this year to finally race past longtime rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the Grand Slam tally. Currently, all three players are tied at 20 Grand Slam titles each.

Do you think Novak Djokovic should try to continue fighting the authority in order to defend his title Down Under? Or should he simply wait for Roland Garros to roll around?

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