Novak Djokovic opens up on being declared ‘VILLAIN’ of the world for refusing Covid vaccination and the Australian Open debacle

Novak Djokovic expresses his feelings about being barred from playing at the Australian Open last year due to the vaccination policy.

Novak Djokovic opens up on being declared ‘VILLAIN’ of the world for refusing Covid vaccination and the Australian Open debacle

Novak Djokovic in action during a match. (credits: lobandsmah.com)

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has yet again acquired all the eyes on him with a recent interview on the dark events in the last few years. Djokovic is one of the most recognized stars in the tennis industry and arguably the most followed star as well.

For a player with as much reputation as him, it’s tough to put a foot wrong and go unnoticed. Recently, in an interview with 60 Minutes, Djokovic was asked to speak about the tough time he had to go through during the 2022 Australian Open. 

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While the entire world was getting back to its normal ways, the Tours were finally getting started, and the Australian Tennis Board issued permanent vaccination policies for tennis players. Djokovic thereby decided not to go ahead with the vaccination. 

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Djokovic also cleared that he is not against the idea of the vaccine but when it comes to his terms, he was happier not to go ahead with the system. Due to this, he received heavy criticism from the entire tennis fanbase and was barred from participating at the Australian Open which allowed his rival Rafael Nadal to take the title home. He was also booed heavily by the fans throughout the entire 2022 tennis calendar year for this decision of his.

I was basically declared as a villain of the world. I had basically most of the world against me. I had that kind of experience on the tennis court with crowds that were not maybe cheering me on, but I never had this particular experience before in my life.
Djokovic said in the interview

Novak Djokovic’s perfect reply to the 2022 Australian Open ban

Novak Djokovic hit a grave career low after being barred from playing at the 2022 Australian Open. This led to him falling behind Nadal in terms of the number of Grand Slams.

Apart from all these, he was heavily criticized by the Australian Tennis Board for his decision to not vaccinate himself. But this year, he was allowed to participate in the competition after his three-year ban from the competition was upheld.

Novak Djokovic after winning the 2022 Australian Open. (credits: tennishead.net)

He was handed the visa to play, and it was a tournament of revelation for the Serbian as he went on to lift the title, shutting down all his critics. He lifted his 22nd Grand Slam title, matching Nadal, in front of the entire Australian stadium, the very same place that had slammed him with a lot of hate and boos just a year ago.

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