Google News 'To play at the moment, Novak Djokovic's gonna have to...', says expert
by SIMONE BRUGNOLI | VIEW 5749
Novak Djokovic had to cash in on the news of his expulsion from Australia on Sunday after the three judges of the Federal Court confirmed the visa cancellation order. Although he had won his first appeal for a procedural defect, the world's number 1 has had his visa canceled for the second time by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke.
Not only has he been prevented from defending his title at the Australian Open, but the Serbian risks not being able to enter the country for three years. The 34-year-old from Belgrade will therefore have to postpone overtaking Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in the all-time Grand Slam standings.
Nole's choice not to get vaccinated could heavily affect his entire season, given that more and more nations have placed the double dose as an essential requirement for entry. It is fresh news that unvaccinated players will not be able to participate in the 2022 edition of Roland Garros, unless the health situation suddenly improves.
In a recent appearance on the Tennis Channel, Mark Petchey - Andy Murray's former coach - took a detailed look at Djokovic's prospects.
Petchey talks about Djokovic
"It's obviously been huge news. I think there is a lot of sympathy on both sides.
You know there is no question that he came down here ultimately with an exemption so, he came with his best intentions. So, he sort of proved it," said Petchey. Novak Djokovic could be barred from the French Open after the country's sports ministry said they would not provide vaccine exemptions to athletes.
The Italian Open's tournament director echoed the same sentiments. "The vaccination issue is going to be huge. Let's be honest, you've already seen France say [there's] absolutely no chance he's going to be able to go to Paris now...
and Sergio Palmieri saying that if he doesn't get vaccinated, he is not gonna be able to play in Rome," mentioned Petchey. "He's got a big decision to make. To play at the moment, he's gonna have to get vaccinated. It's as simple as that," added the former coach.
Palmieri did not mince his words while talking about Novak and even mentioned his rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. While speaking to Italian radio ‘Radio Anch’io Sport’, Palmieri said, “he (Djokovic) is a controversial character, he takes a stand and he puts himself out there.
Certainly, he is not an example for young people approaching this sport; from this point of view, he has not reached Roger and Rafa’s stature”.
