“I’m Hoping!” Novak Djokovic feels that his interview with BBC is helping reinstate his tarnished image because of the vaccination debacle
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Novak Djoković
Novak Djokovic, the world No. 1, has returned to the circuit and is looking forward to his second-round match at the ATP Dubai Tennis Championships 2022. He finished his opening round match with a straight-sets win over Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 6-3.
In 2021, the Serbian tennis sensation had a powerful season, winning three of his four major slams and reaching the finals of the fourth. However, a debacle awaited him in the year 2022. He was refused to play his first major of the year, the Australian Open, where he was the top-seed and the defending champion and was deported from the country. Following a lengthy legal battle in court, the Australian government revoked his visa on the premise of “health and good order,” dubbing him an anti-vaxxer.
Following the incident, there was a lot of controversy, as people all across the world began calling him “Novax Djokovic,” and there was a lot of criticism making its way on the internet. During the Australian fiasco, Djokovic gave a few statements and opened up on social media, trying to present his side of the story, but remained silent on the “anti-vaxxer” statements.
In an exclusive interview with the BBC, the 20-time Grand Slam winner finally spoke out about the anti-vaxxer remarks. Rafael Nadal eventually broke through for his second championship at Melbourne Park while away from the Australian Open, putting him 21 Slams ahead of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer. In the interview, the Serbian said, “That is the price I’m willing to pay.” Further in his defense, he said that he is not an anti-vaxxer and added, “I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.”
Djokovic’s Says He’s Hoping
After his first round match, Djokovic spoke about his tarnished image because of the vaccination debacle. He said, “I really don’t know. Of course, there were not many positive articles about this whole situation in the last month or so. But ever since my interview with BBC, I think things are maybe shifting a little bit. I’m hoping.” He further added, “But I understand there’s still a lot of speculations and people questioning. I’ve always been open and transparent, try to speak with the media that maybe criticizes me more or not, I’m open to answer any question. Hopefully things will shift in a positive way for me.”
The Serbian is now hoping that things will take a positive shift now that he has opened up and given an answer to those labeling him an “anti-vaxxer”.
A Tough Road Ahead For Djokovic
The world no. 1 feels a bit hopeful following the interview, despite his apprehensions. It’s uncertain whether he’ll be able to play in the majors this year, but he’s anticipated to clinch the Dubai Tennis Championships title this week. He will face Karen Khachanov in the Round of 16.
Also Read: “I can’t enter United States” Novak Djokovic possibly out of Indian Wells and Miami Open
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Shilpi Pusadkar
(106 Articles Published)