“He’s not going to be the best in history because of a vaccine”- Former World No.1 Marcelo Rios labels Novak Djokovic as ‘King of Stupidity’ over anti-vax stance
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Novak Djokovic and Marcelo Rios
Novak Djokovic is all set to make a return at the 2022 Monte-Carlo Masters. This will be only his second tournament of the year, after the Dubai Tennis Championships in February. The Serb missed had to miss multiple tournaments, including the Australian Open, owing to his vaccination stance. The Melbourne Major was supposed to be his shot at overtaking Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the battle for most Grand Slam Singles titles. But instead, his title defense ended before it even started, and was deported from Australia, in what can be called one of the lowest points of his career.
He is now eyeing a proper return on clay and has a full schedule and is likely to compete at all Masters events leading up to the French Open. However, former World No.1 Marcelo Rios believes the entire debacle that went down in Australia has hampered Djokovic’s chances of becoming the best player in history. The Chilean said it is understandable to initially be skeptical about the vaccine but to prolong it for so long and give up competing in tournaments, Djokovic has to be the ‘King of Stupidity’.
“He is stupid, he’s not going to be the best in history because of a vaccine. I had worries at first, but then I started travelling and I had to get it. I can understand being worried at first. I don’t know what the reason is, but if you’re trying to be the best in history and you’re going to give up the race for some vaccines, you have to be the king of stupidity. I believe that at first it was out of fear, but now he is being too arrogant,” Rios said in an interview with Spanish news outlet, La Tercera.
Novak Djokovic faces a tricky draw at the Monte-Carlo Masters
Djokovic will kick start his Golden Swing at the Monte Carlo Masters, which will also be his first tournament in more than a month. The World No.1 will be eyeing his 3rd title in Monte Carlo but has a tough road to the title. After receiving a bye in the first round, the 34-year-old will begin his campaign against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. And then it gets tougher from then on as he can face Dan Evans or Roberto Bautista Agut in the 3rd round. In 2021, Djokovic faced a shock defeat at the hands of Evans in the third round, he will be hoping to avoid the same result this time around.
Then a potential blockbuster quarter-final clash against Miami Open champion, Carlos Alcaraz awaits the Serb. The Spaniard might pose more than a few troubles given the red-hot form he has been in. Djokovic currently holds the record for Masters 1000 titles with 37, just one ahead of Nadal. With the 21-time Grand Slam champion skipping Monte Carlo with a rib injury, the World No.1 will be looking to extend his lead at the top with a triumph.
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T Rushitha
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