Novak Djokovic is having his worst nightmares coming true this season. Earlier this year, he was embroiled in a visa controversy in Australia. Subsequently, a lengthy legal battle ensued between Djokovic and the Australian Government. However, a day before the commencement of the Australian Open, the Serb faced deportation from Australia, which ended his chances of defending his Australian Open crown.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion got some respite as he found his winning mojo back. He lifted the Rome Masters and the Wimbledon Championships. However, after his successful run in the grass-court Grand Slam tournament, the former World Number 1 has suffered yet another blow. He faces the possibility of missing the US Open owing to his vaccination status. Recently, Australian tennis star John Millman gave his verdict on Djokovic’s US Open participation.
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John Millman can’t understand why Novak Djokovic cannot play at the US Open
Millman took to Twitter to back Djokovic amid uncertainty surrounding his US Open participation. He said, “I’m out with Covid. I was just in the states and it didn’t really feel like too many were following any recommendations or guidelines there. Which is fine, but therefore I can’t see then why @DjokerNole can’t come and compete.”
I’m out with covid. I was just in the states and it didn’t really feel like too many were following any recommendations or guidelines there. Which is fine, but therefore I can’t see then why @DjokerNole can’t come and compete.
— John Millman (@johnhmillman) August 3, 2022
However, Millman’s statement created quite a stir on Twitter, with many users slamming the Australian star for his comments. He later clarified by saying, “Twitter is full of people having all types of opinions on different matters but when an athlete has an opinion on something that is not to do with their sport they are told to “stick to your sport”..”
Millman was due to play in the ATP 250 tournament in Los Cabos, Mexico. However, he had to withdraw from the tournament after testing positive for Covid.
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Djokovic rises in the ATP rankings
The former World Number 1 moved up a spot at the expense of Casper Ruud in the latest ATP rankings. He is currently ranked sixth on the ATP rankings chart.
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With his US Open participation in limbo, Djokovic might face a huge blow to his ranking if he misses the last Grand Slam tournament of the season.