“Our reputation may never be the same”- former Australian Open director gives verdict over handling of the Novak Djokovic case

“Our reputation may never be the same”- former Australian Open director gives verdict over handling of the Novak Djokovic case

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic had an unreal 2021, enjoying one of the best individual seasons in the history of the game, as he won 3 Grand Slam titles and was the finalist at the 4th Grand Slam, coming so close to becoming only the second man to achieve the incredible ‘Calendar Slam’.

Djokovic started the season with 17 Grand Slam titles to his name and ended the season equal with the rest of the Big Three. One of the most eagerly awaited moments of the new season would be who among the three wins their 21st Grand Slam title first.

McNamee voices his concerns over the Djokovic controversy

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

Despite having such a successful 2021, Novak Djokovic came under a lot of controversy recently after the Serb refused to declare his vaccination certificate, going against the rules to participate in the Australian Open 2022. In a case that has had new revelations everyday, many people have sympathized with the World No.1 due to the Australian authorities’ handling of the situation.

On Sunday, former doubles World Number 1 and present-day administrator Paul McNamee gave his views on the matter. The prominent administrator made known his disappointment over the authorities’ handling of the situation, saying that it wasn’t Djokovic’s fault as he was approved to fly into the country by multiple authorities such as Tennis Australia, the Victorian Government and also the Australian Prime Minister.

He further went on to add that if the Serbian is deported from the country now, the reputation of the country would be damaged permanently beyond repair.

“Novak Djokovic, perhaps the foremost athlete on the planet, is here to defend his title. He was approved to fly here by Tennis Australia, the Vic Govt & the Prime Minister himself. He followed our rules. If deported, our reputation as a great sporting nation may never be the same”– McNamee had tweeted on Sunday.

McNamee, a former director of the Australian Open, had earlier slammed the authorities on a news channel, saying that Djokovic was the victim in the whole scenario which was caused by mismanagement. The whole controversy arose when the Serbian was given a medical exemption to participate in the tournament, and was then revoked once he reached the airport. The 34-year-old is now controversially detained at a quarantine facility before the final decision on his imminent deportation from the country soon to come.

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