John McEnroe counters ‘his own choice’ narrative around Novak Djokovic’s deportation from Australia last year
Former World No. 1 continues to support Novak Djokovic on his stand on vaccination as a personal choice.
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John McEnroe, Novak Djokovic
Serbian star Novak Djokovic hit the reset button on history books after his title win in the 2023 Australian Open. He was crowned champion at Rod Laver Arena for a record-extending 10th time after decimating Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets. The victory serves as a slap on the face of everyone who tried to malign him last year for his stand on vaccines.
Novak Djokovic created several records in the fortnight Down Under. The 35-year-old reclaimed the top spot of the rankings where he always belonged. Djokovic remains unbeaten in Australia for the last 40 matches.
Despite proving himself once again, though Djokovic did not need to, the obsession with showing him in a bad light is still a fad among some of the media persons. His stand on vaccination is still used to demonize him. In the latest addition to that drama, ESPN’s Chris Fowler, and John McEnroe had an awkward exchange right after the Serb’s win.
McEnroe and Fowler were recapping all that Djokovic had gone through in the last two years when the former put forward his views in support of the Serb. “He gets deported out of Australia. Doesn’t get any points at Wimbledon,” McEnroe said. “Can’t play the [U.S.] Open. …”
Fowler interrupted him, “A part of his choices, to be fair. He made choices that led to that for some of those things.” To this McEnroe responded, “I don’t think … I think he should have been committed to playing.” “OK, well that’s a debate,” Fowler said. “He did make choices that led to that. … But that’s forgotten for the moment,” the conversation went on.
Related: Roger Federer congratulates Novak Djokovic for his historic feat at the 2023 Australian Open
McEnroe supported Novak Djokovic last year despite his stand on vaccines
In a poetic justice, Novak Djokovic has been crowned the Australian Open champion exactly a year after he went through the embarrassing drama of detention and deportation. This episode hurt Djokovic both on and off the court. And the drama is still fresh.
Former World No. 1 John McEnroe supported Djokovic last year and believed he should have been allowed to play in the top tennis tournaments despite his vaccination status.
“I think he should be allowed to play. My personal opinion, as I’ve been vaccinated, I had a booster shot, that’s up to the individual. If I were him, and I’m not him, he’s won a lot more majors than me probably because he’s dug in his heels and found the gear, that will, that very few people in any sport have ever found, so that’s part of what’s made him so great, he sticks to his guns. He’s perfectly entitled to make the decision,” McEnroe said last August.
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WATCH: The special moment when Novak Djokovic’s name was engraved on the Australian Open trophy
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Abhinavendu Singh
(290 Articles Published)