Goran Ivanisevic says Novak Djokovic was “ready to abandon his career” due to a controversial issue in 2022

Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia after not agreeing to take the Covid vaccines for the Melbourne Grand Slam tournament.

Goran Ivanisevic says Novak Djokovic was “ready to abandon his career” due to a controversial issue in 2022

Novak Djokovic and Goran Ivanisevic (via Eurosport)

Novak Djokovic will never forget his embarrassing experience at the 2022 Australian Open. The 24-time major champion had declared he wouldn’t take Covid vaccines ahead of the tournament and was deported for it. Goran Ivanisevic, who was his coach at that time revealed that the 37-year-old was ready to quit tennis for his stance.

Djokovic stood by his principles in 2022 when Grand Slam events mandated COVID-19 vaccination. Despite being embarrassed in Australia, he didn’t give in to the attacks. The Serbian legend also had to miss some big tournaments in the years following the high-profile exit from Melbourne in January 2022.

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After three years had passed and the events forgotten, at the Australian Open, Djokovic reminded the world about what he and his family had to endure at the events and the mental scars it left. Ivanisevic, who supported Djokovic’s decision now believes that the 37-year-old’s stance has finally been justified.

In an interview with former Croatian footballer Slaven Bilic on his Failure of the Champion show, Ivanisevic revealed that Djokovic was ready to quit tennis to stand with his no vaccination principle.

Novak refused the vaccine, ready to abandon his career, a decision no other elite athlete would make. The world condemned him, criticized him relentlessly, and even belittled him for standing firm. Yet he never wavered, standing firm in his conviction with a determination that still resonates. Now we are talking about those vaccines and they say that some of them caused problems. We were locked up like sheep for three years and we were manipulated. It was during the pandemic when he refused to get vaccinated. He said publicly several times that it was a decision he was making for his body, that he knew his body best, and that he didn’t want to do that.

Goran Ivanisevic said

Djokovic earned his status as the record title holder in Melbourne by winning the 2023 Australian Open. This season, he reached the semifinals of the tournament but was forced to retire due to an injury.

Goran Ivanisevic shares his admiration for Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic remains one of the greatest competitors to ever grace the tennis court. The Serbian first announced his name at the Australian Open in 2008, ending the reign of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in men’s tennis. He then went on to win 23 more Grand Slam titles, and at the Paris Olympics, claimed his first gold medal. His ex-coach, Goran Ivanisevic, revealed his admiration for the 37-year-old.

Novak Djokovic (8)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/Wolfy)

Before each match, he feels the nerves of someone who loves to compete, but he never lets fear control him. He always brings out his best level when he needs it most. He’s a genius, a person like him is born once in a hundred years. He overturned the history of rivalry between Federer and Nadal.

Goran Ivanisevic added

Djokovic ended his partnership with Ivanisevic in March last year. He’s yet to win a tour-level title since claiming the 2023 ATP Finals in Turin. He has reached two tournament finals but lost to Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, respectively.

Novak Djokovic to face Sebastian Korda in the quarter-finals of the Miami Open

Novak Djokovic now has his shot for the Miami Open title. The World No.5 has been impressive since marking his return to the tournament after a six-year absence. He made an excellent start in his opening match defeating Rinky Hijikata in straight sets. He then continued with the form beating Argentine Camilo Ugo Carabelli.

Novak Djokovic (5)
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/CGTN Sports Scene)

On Tuesday (March 25), he cruised past Lorenzo Musetti 6-2, 6-2 to reach the quarter-finals of the Miami Open. He’s set to face Sebastian Korda for a place in the last four and has a slim 1-0 lead in their head-to-head record.