Google News 'I can understand Novak Djokovic's reluctance to...', says ATP legend
by SIMONE BRUGNOLI | VIEW 2727
Novak Djokovic questioned his presence at the 2022 Australian Open, news that quickly made its way around the world. The harsh restrictions promised by the Australian government for unvaccinated players have made Nole turn up his nose, who does not seem at all willing to repeat the harsh quarantine of 2021.
The Serbian phenomenon has played a season on the verge of perfection, in which he touched the legendary 'Calendar Grand Slam' Had he triumphed at the US Open, ATP No. 1 would have become the second man in the Open Era after Rod Laver to win all four majors in the same year.
Physically and mentally emptied, the 34-year-old from Belgrade surrendered in the final to a great Daniil Medvedev. The 20-time Grand Slam champion will return to action at Paris-Bercy next week, a preparatory tournament ahead of the ATP Finals in Turin and the Davis Cup finals.
Speaking on the Eurosport Germany tennis podcast, Boris Becker analyzed the dispute between Djokovic and the Australian authorities.
Becker opens up on Novak Djokovic
“I can understand it [Novak Djokovic's reluctance to disclose his vaccination status] at first," Boris Becker said.
"That is his right, that is privacy, that has to be protected." However, the six-time Major champion pointed out that Djokovic would have little choice but to abide by the rules should he wish to play at his most successful Slam.
"But if he wants to work as a tennis player, then unfortunately they are rules and for all tennis players who want to go to Australia: The State of Victoria requires proof of vaccination," Becker added. "It is completely unimportant what we mean," continued Becker.
"If the Australian government has decided that way, there is only one solution." Novak Djokovic is competing in this category with an eye on the Davis Cup 2021 which begins later on. Therefore he has decided to partner with a player from his Davis Cup team.
It has been a considerable amount of time since Novak won the Davis Cup, going back to 2010 when Victor Troicki was the captain. Coming on to the singles category, Novak has been handed a tough draw. If all goes well, he will be meeting Stefanos Tsitsipas in the semifinal and has a possibility of facing Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev in the final.
If he manages to win the event, he will overtake Rafael Nadal for winning the most amount of ATP Masters 1000 titles. Currently, they are both tied to 36 titles.