Novak Djokovic is one of the most influential athletes of this generation. His words and decisions hold a lot of value and can affect the thought process of many. Therefore, the matter of his vaccination has become a big topic of debate for the entire tennis fraternity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The 21-time Grand Slam champion’s stance on COVID vaccination has created a huge split of opinion among the tennis world. So much so that veterans like Martina Navratilova also have the dirt of bitter arguments on their hands.
Martina Navratilova indulges in a fierce debate
As the US Open is finally considering the option of mending its vaccination rules, the matter that first sparked during the Australian Open earlier this year has been reignited. However, the intensity is much more than earlier as the conflict of interest has taken the form of full-fledged verbal wars.
Speaking of Navratilova, she recently got tangled in an argument with a fan on Twitter while denouncing Djokovic’s stance. After blocking the Djokovic fan, Martina wrote, “Been defending Novak for a long time. Completely disagree on his Covid stance.”
Been defending Novak for a long time. Completely disagree on his covid stance. And for that I got abuse- so blocked more than a few jerks- pav whoever was one of them. And now he has been blocked by some friends of mine, including Jon. So a nasty pattern on his end. Thank you.
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) August 21, 2022
“And for that I got abuse- so blocked more than a few jerks- pav whoever was one of them. And now he has been blocked by some friends of mine, including Jon. So a nasty pattern on his end. Thank you,” added the 59-time Grand Slam champion.
Read more: ‘Cheapens Itself’ – Politicians Rally Behind Novak Djokovic as They Demand to Lift His US Open Ban
After getting blocked by Martina, the user shared it as a medal of honor and posted a screenshot of the same. That, in turn, infuriated her more, and she ended up writing the aforementioned tweet. Apart from her, famous journalists like Ben Rothenberg and Jon Wertheim were also in the list of people who restricted that particular Djokovic fan.
What’s ahead of Novak Djokovic?
If given the chance, Djokovic will try to convert last year’s US Open runner-up title to his 22nd Grand Slam crown this year. By achieving this feat, he will also look forward to settling the score of Grand Slam victories with Rafael Nadal.
The reigning Wimbledon champion is just one slam away from equaling his legendary Spanish rival. If he gets to miss the US Open this year, the Serbian will have to start his chase from the hard courts of the Australian Open.
Watch this story: Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova moments that define their friendship
Tennis Australia is considering lifting the three-year ban imposed on the Serb because of the new Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Albanese enjoys the sport and would be considerate towards allowing Novak Djokovic to compete.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad