‘Always the visiting team,’ Martina Navratilova sympathizes with Novak Djokovic over ‘unfair’ Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer comparison

‘Always the visiting team,’ Martina Navratilova sympathizes with Novak Djokovic over ‘unfair’ Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer comparison

Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer

Novak Djokovic has had a roller-coaster ride in the past week, after his arrival in Australia. After seeing his Visa cancelled by the Australian Border Forces last week, the court ordered for the Serbian to be freed from detention on Monday morning.

American tennis legend, Martina Navratilova has been a staunch supporter of Novak Djokovic over the years. However, she does not agree with the Serbian’s stance on vaccination, and has urged him to get vaccinated to avoid unnecessary controversy.

Martina Navratilova stated that Australian Open laid down its rules firmly, and it was either getting vaccinated and playing, or not participating at all. The American legend has suggested that the 34-year-old should have stayed home if he was unvaccinated.

“Everybody is taking the vaccine, because it is the right thing to do. This is what the country demands, honestly. You have two choices, either get vaccinated or don’t play. This (Novak Djokovic situation) does not sum up at all,” Navratilova said.

Also Read: REVEALED! Novak Djokovic’s potential path to claim his 10th Australian Open title

Martina Navratilova on Novak Djokovic being compared to Big Three Rivals

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic with his 2021 Australian Open title

Martina Navratilova stated that Novak Djokovic is not as well received by the fans, as are his Big Three rivals, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. She calls it a rather unfair comparison, and the fact that the Serbian is always on the receiving end.

“I have defended Novak Djokovic over the years, many times. I feel it was not a fair fight when it came to his comparisons with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. He is always the visiting team, and I know what it takes to be the visiting team,” Martina added.

As of now, Novak Djokovic is seeded first at Australian Open 2022. The Serbian is placed in the top half of the draw, and in the same half as Rafael Nadal. He opens his campaign against fellow Serbian, Miomir Kecmanovic.

However, Novak Djokovic might have to return home, as Minister of Immigration, Alex Hawke is yet to make his final decision on the entire situation. There seems to be some discrepancy on the positive RT-PCR Test submitted by the veteran tennis player.

Also Read: Australian Open 2022: Novak Djokovic vs Miomir Kecmanovic Prediction, Preview, Head to Head and Live Stream