‘Novak Djokovic will be not be well received by the fans,’ Tim Henman expects a ‘very hostile’ atmosphere at AO 2022
Follow Us
Tim Henman, Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic has been cleared by the judge to compete at the Australian Open 2022, as he was released from detention on Monday. However, all is not over yet, as the Minister of Immigration is expected to make a decision on Djokovic’s fate soon.
Former British tennis star, Tim Henman has opined on the entire situation and believes that Novak Djokovic could be in for a tough time at the Australian Open 2022. The four-time Wimbledon semifinalist expects a very hostile atmosphere directed towards Djokovic, given what they have been through in the last two years.
Henman believes that the recent developments and Djokovic’s controversy are very unfortunate events, which have affected a prestigious tournament like the Australian Open.
“I think it will be a very hostile reception. We all know what the Australian people have been through over the last couple of years and the hardships of the lockdowns, and I don’t think in my opinion Djokovic will be well received when he goes on the court,” Henman said.
“I think that’s unfortunate for the tournament. It’s a great event in Australia and they’ve had their challenges over the last couple of years. I hope it’s not a cloud that remains over the tournament,” he added.
Novak Djokovic will thrive under difficult circumstances: Tim Henman
Tim Henman believes that despite facing the agony of the crowd, Novak Djokovic will still thrive under such conditions. The Serbian has been at the receiving end of such hostility in the past and has always emerged as a true warrior.
“Knowing Djokovic’s attitude, he seems to thrive within that sort of confrontation though. It’s obviously not the ideal preparation to be stuck in a room for four or five days but I’m sure he’s very relieved to be out and excited about the opportunity. Given his record in Melbourne, having won nine times, he is going to be he’s going be very difficult to beat I think,” Henman opined.
Tim Henman also stated that the entire Novak Djokovic situation is not ideal for the sporting world. He believes that there is a lot of grey area, and several questions are yet unanswered. The Briton believes the situation could have been avoided, or at least handled in a better way. Nevertheless, he thinks Novak Djokovic will still be the man to beat in Australia.
“If you asked me to reflect on the whole episode, I think it was not a good look for anyone, whether that’s Tennis Australia, the state of Victoria, or the Australian government, or Djokovic himself,” he added.
“I think this could have, and should have been, avoided. And once there’s this sort of grey area, and you get lawyers involved, then it’s inevitably going to get messy. So yeah, it wasn’t a good look for anyone,” Henman concluded.
Stay Updated!
Nirmit Mehta
(2425 Articles Published)