Stan Wawrinka backs fans to boo Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open after Craig Tiley warning

Novak Djokovic‘s return to Australia has been a hot topic globally. The Serbian makes a sensational return to the country a year after he was deported. Although he remains unvaccinated against Covid-19, the reduction in cases of Covid-19 has allowed him to get back in the country.

During his court case last year, Australia was divided into two separate halves. While a few sympathized with the nine-time Australian Open winner, others felt the government was right to not bend its rule for a single person. As he returns, the reception is still mixed towards him. Many have cheered for him during his matches and practice session while others have jeered him.

Giving his two cents on the topic, three-time Grand Slam title winner and 2014 Australian Open winner Stan Wawrinka had a distinct opinion on the whole matter.

 “If they go over the limit then yes, but I think they should be allowed to do whatever they want. “They do it every year with every player – if they don’t like the player, or they like another one, they will boo one and cheer for the other one. That’s tennis, that’s sport. That’s what you want.

“So of course, things happened with Novak last year, and I think there was many mistakes – not only Novak. I do believe they will not boo him. They will be happy to see him and it’s going to be a great tournament,” said Wawrinka speaking with The Herald Sun.

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Andy Murray expects support for Novak Djokovic in Melbourne similar to one in Adelaide

Novak Djokovic started his 2023 campaign at the 2023 Adelaide International. Seeded first, he went on to win the title, his 92nd career title. During the week in Adelaide, he got a great deal of support from the spectators. But back in Melbourne, he had a few boos coming his way. That led to Craig Tiley taking a strong stance against the hecklers ahead of the 2023 Australian Open.

Former World No. 1 Andy Murray however had a different opinion than Stan Wawrinka. “I don’t necessarily like seeing players get booed. It’s not a nice feeling for players when that happens. I saw Novak’s match in Adelaide and he got great support and I’m sure that it’ll probably be the same in Melbourne,” said the five-time runner-up in Melbourne Park.

Knowing the fact that Australia is not an easy place to win the fans over, Djokovic would be too naive to not expect some booing towards him. While the organizers will take the precaution that the environment isn’t too hostile, even they have their hands tied at one point.

Continue Reading:

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