The Novak Djokovic visa cancelation saga has split the world of tennis. Some are coming in support of the Serb, while the rest have spoken strongly against him. People are seen taking to social media to express their views on this matter. The latest star to speak on this is the 18-time women’s singles Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova.
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Navratilova gives her take on World Number 1
The legend, who has achieved a career-high ranking of one in both women’s singles as well as doubles, has blasted Novak Djokovic amid the ongoing visa saga and his views on Covid-19 vaccination. While speaking to Sunrise-7News, the 9-time Wimbledon champion said that it was a mistake on everyone’s part.
She further went on to add, “Sometimes your personal beliefs have to be trumped by what is good for the greater good, for those around you, for your peers.”
Further, she felt that if a player doesn’t want to get vaccinated; they have two choices; either get vaccinated because everyone around is getting it or don’t go to the tournament. Over the years, she has always defended Novak and admired his commitment to becoming the best tennis player he could possibly be. At the same time, as a role model, she believes the World Number 1 should act for the greater good.
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On being asked whether Djokovic should play in the Australian Open, Martina said that the right thing for Novak to do was to ‘go home’. However, she felt that the Serb won’t do that because he wants his 21st Grand Slam title. She went on record saying, “The best thing to happen would be for Novak to go home, but I don’t think he will do that”
"The best thing to happen would be for Novak to go home, but I don't think he will do that"
Tennis legend @Martina blasts Novak Djokovic over his views on vaccination and the ongoing saga about his Australian visa. pic.twitter.com/FBDQWc89Ua
— Sunrise (@sunriseon7) January 12, 2022
Not acceptable … https://t.co/81oe1mKWAX
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) January 13, 2022
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What next for Novak Djokovic?
The 34-year-old had won the court case against him in the Federal Court of Australia. However, the final decision rests in the hands of the Australian Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke. Thus, the Serb’s participation is still in limbo. While we await a decision on this, the draw for the Australian Open 2022 was announced earlier today.
If allowed to play, the World Number 1 could possibly face Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals. We hope that this controversy gets behind and the action shifts back onto the tennis courts soon.
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