‘Craig Tiley has lost a few years of his life,’ Alexander Zverev believes Novak Djokovic visa situation could have been avoided by proper communication


‘Craig Tiley has lost a few years of his life,’ Alexander Zverev believes Novak Djokovic visa situation could have been avoided by proper communication

Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev, third seed at Australian Open 2022 stormed into the second round on Monday, as he defeated fellow German, Daniel Altmaier in straight sets. The third seed was made to toil hard, as two of the three sets were decided in the tiebreaker.

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The entire Novak Djokovic visa saga did the rounds over the last two weeks, before the Australian Open even began. Things were put to a rest on Sunday, as the Serbian was deported back to his home country. Alexander Zverev was asked his opinion on the same in the post-match press conference.

The German praised CEO of Tennis Australia, Craig Tiley for organizing the Australian Open in the wake of the pandemic. Given the struggles, Mr. Tiley has been through, Alexander Zverev stated that he might have lost two years of his life due to the extra pressure.

“I have to say one thing, I think Craig Tiley has lost a few years of his life over the last two years, but is doing an incredible job,” said Zverev.

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Also Read: Another Grand Slam gone for Novak Djokovic? Wimbledon likely to follow French Open over player vaccination

Carig Tiley deserves a lot more credit: Alexander Zverev

Alexander Zverev believes that to organize the Australian Open amidst the strict rules in the country was a big achievement. Hence, he believes the CEO of Australian Tennis does deserve more credit.

I mean, to make the event happen last year when the country was completely closed, and to make it happen this year again is one hell of an effort. I think he deserves a lot of credit. But I think, on the other hand, it’s really difficult to say something. I understand the Australian people’s perspective, I understand the Australian government perspective,” Zverev added.

However, Alexander Zverev believes that the situation could have been handled better, if there was proper communication between Victorian and Australian government. Zverev stated that it was inevitable that a controversy would be created, if Djokovic arrived in Australia, just to see his visa cancelled.

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But I also do believe there should have been more communication between the Victorian government & the Australian government before Novak came here, because once Djokovic came here, it was very obvious that all of this would start if the government didn’t approve of his visa,” Zverev continued.

Alexander Zverev stands to gain in the absence of Novak Djokovic. The German could become the new world number, come February 21, if he is to claim the Australian Open 2022 title. Djokovic will lose all 2,000 points in ATP Rankings, given that he will not defend his title.

Also Read: ‘The departure of the elephant in the room a.k.a Novak Djokovic,’ Top journalist believes Rafael Nadal brings the calm after the Serbian storm