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Former world No. 1 Boris Becker expects Novak Djokovic to face a hostile environment at the Australian Open but he is confident the Serb will eventually find a way to win the crowd. Djokovic was granted a medical exemption for the Australian Open and on Monday he won his case in court and his visa was reinstated.
“I’m sure there will be a couple of boos and whistles, but he’s used to that," Becker told the BBC, as quoted on The Telegraph. “He was always a street fighter who had to fight the odds and win over the crowd, and it was fascinating in last year’s Us Open final when they finally embraced him.
“The crowd will be difficult with him but with each match he starts, he will win the crowd and they will embrace him again. But he is going to have a difficult first week”.
Becker advises Djokovic to get vaccinated
“I’m sure the French Open and Wimbledon will be watching the Melbourne saga, and I’m sure they will have strict rules on who can play and who cannot play,” said Becker.
“It’s everybody’s choice, but life is more difficult if you don’t want to be vaccinated. Personally I’d advise him to be vaccinated eventually because life would be easier for him, but ultimately it’s his choice and we have to respect that”.
After winning his battle in court, Djokovic shared a message on Instagram. "I am pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation. Despite all that has happened in the past week, I want to stay and to try to compete at the Australian Open.
I remain focused on that. I flew here to play at one of the most important events we have in front of the amazing fans. For now I cannot say more but THANK YOU for standing with me through all this and encouraging me to stay strong," Djokovic said in an Instagram post.