Christopher Clarey panned by tennis fans for bias against Novak Djokovic as he excludes him as a favorite for Australian Open

The New York Times correspondent was criticized for an article where he said Rafael Nadal will be the focus of the Australian Open 2023.

Christopher Clarey panned by tennis fans for bias against Novak Djokovic as he excludes him as a favorite for Australian Open

Christopher Clarey and Novak Djokovic

Tennis fans worldwide were incensed when journalist and author Christopher Clarey excluded Novak Djokovic from his list of favorites for the Australian Open. For context, Clarey recently released an article stating that the focus would be on Rafael Nadal during the first Slam of the year.

For context, taking to his official Twitter handle, Clarey shared an article he wrote for the New York Times. The article is titled “With the Australian Open Set to Begin, All Eyes Are on Rafael Nadal.” However, interestingly, the report makes a very brief mention of Djokovic and very reluctantly describes him as a potential contender. As expected, this was enough to set tongues wagging among Djokovic fans on Twitter.

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Fans were shocked and surprised by Clarey’s claim that everyone focused on Nadal. The truth is really quite different. Djokovic’s return to Australia after last year’s deportation drama has been the tale of this year’s build-up to the Australian Open. His win at the Adelaide International and the warm reception from fans have been talking points. With everyone from politicians to analysts talking about Djokovic as the favorite, Clarey’s opinion comes across as odd.

Sharing a wide spectrum of reactions online, here’s what fans have to say:

One fan wrote,” With the Australian Open Set to Begin, All Eyes Are on Rafael Nadal (all Clarey’s eyes) Who does he think he’s fooling?” Another mused,”All eyes??? Is this guy for real?” The frustration with Clarey’s ignorance of Djokovic turned into disbelief.

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Novak Djokovic’s 2023 Australian Open draw

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

Djokovic has been handed a potentially tricky draw for the Australian Open. He has been drawn in the same quarter as his friend Nick Kyrgios. He is, however, on the opposite end of the court from rival Rafael Nadal. The Serbian starts his campaign with a first-round tie against Roberto Carballes Baena tomorrow.

The 21-time Grand Slam champion could face a real test starting in the third round when he plays Grigor Dimitrov. He is also on course to face Kyrgios in a repeat of the 2022 Wimbledon final in the quarterfinals. The highest-ranked opponent in Djokovic’s half is Casper Ruud, whom he can meet in the semis.

But the big one will be the final. The 35-year-old could face Rafael Nadal or Daniil Medvedev in the championship decider. Both would be juicy clashes. The 2021 Australian Open final rematch would see Medvedev out for revenge. The final against Rafa would be the 19th Grand Slam final between the two. Whichever way it goes, tennis fans will be in for a treat.

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