via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Finals – Pala Alpitour, Turin, Italy – November 19, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his group stage match against Britain’s Cameron Norrie REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Finals – Pala Alpitour, Turin, Italy – November 19, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his group stage match against Britain’s Cameron Norrie REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
There has been a major controversy surrounding Novak Djokovic and his participation in the last Grand Slam tournament of the season ever since he defended his Wimbledon title. Recently, a journalist slammed the Serb for his US Open controversy. However, fellow player Reilly Opelka didn’t like the journalist’s comments and blasted him for criticizing Djokovic.
It has been a season of massive highs and lows for Novak Djokovic. From the Australian Open controversy to defending his Wimbledon crown, the former World Number 1 has seen it all. Recently, he suffered yet another blow as he withdrew from the US Open owing to his vaccination status.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Reilly Opelka gives a fitting reply to a journalist criticizing Novak Djokovic
The American star took to Twitter to slam the journalist for his comments against Djokovic. He said, “Why wouldn’t he give himself the best chance of playing? “Desperately clinging on” has gotten him pretty far in this business wouldn’t you say?”
Further, he went on to add, “Your personal hatred and obsession towards Novak is so unprofessional.”
Why wouldn’t he give himself the best chance of playing? “Desperately clinging on” has gotten him pretty far in this business wouldn’t you say? Your personal hatred and obsession towards Novak is so unprofessional. https://t.co/JlTLPvFGMS
— Reilly Opelka (@ReillyOpelka) August 23, 2022
Earlier, the journalist slammed Djokovic for playing the waiting game surrounding his US Open participation despite being unvaccinated.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts after smashing his racket in the second set of the match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia 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
Further, Djokovic has already missed some important tournaments like the Australian Open and the Sunshine Double owing to his vaccination status. Additionally, he also missed the recently concluded tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati.
READ MORE: John McEnroe Ridicules US Vaccination Rules as US Open Is All Set to Impose Ban on Novak Djokovic
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Djokovic, who finished as the runner-up last year at the US Open, has to defend 1200 ranking points. With his absence at the Grand Slam tournament in Flushing Meadows, the Serb is set to receive a major blow to his ATP ranking.
Opelka withdraws from the US Open
Earlier this week, the local hopes received a massive blow as Reilly Opelka pulled out of the US Open. The American star has had a torrid time with injuries this season. He has suffered yet another untimely injury setback as he is set to miss the last Grand Slam tournament of the year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch this story: Michelle Obama and Serena Williams once got together to gift an unexpected surprise for Beyonce on her birthday.
His compatriot, Jack Sock, replaces Opelka in the main draw of the US Open.
