Google News 'Novak Djokovic is the only tennis player who has refused...', says expert
by SIMONE BRUGNOLI | VIEW 62446
Novak Djokovic's position on the Covid-19 vaccine risks heavily influencing his season. The world number 2 was unable to compete in the Australian Open, having to watch helplessly as Rafael Nadal's triumph in Melbourne Park.
The Serbian will not even be able to participate in the Masters 1000 of Indian Wells and Miami, since the United States requires vaccination as a prerequisite to enter the country. Nole, who had to surrender the scepter of the ATP ranking in the hands of Daniil Medvedev, should be back in action on clay.
The imminent abolition of the Green Pass in France will allow him to play the Monte Carlo tournament and especially Roland Garros. A few days ago, the announcement of the separation between Djokovic and his historic coach Marian Vajda arrived.
A risky choice that of the 34-year-old from Belgrade, who had already moved away from the Slovak in 2017 (with bad results). In a video posted on Instagram, Patrick Mouratoglou urged fans and the public to respect Novak's choices.
Mouratoglou opens up on Nole
"One of the main criticisms people say about Novak Djokovic is that he is not authentic. That he is playing to be loved, that he doesn't show his real personality. I believe the opposite," Mouratoglou said.
"I think he is extremely authentic." The fact that Novak Djokovic did not do so made it obvious to Mouratoglou that he is far from inauthentic. "This last position regarding corona virus, I think it would have been extremely easy for someone like Novak Djokovic to have a doctor sign the papers saying that he's vaccinated even though he is not, and people would never know about it," Mouratoglou said.
"This would allow him to play every tournament, do whatever he wants and be in a position to become the GOAT. But no, he didn't do that. He refused to cheat, which was easy and no chance to get caught. Having a doctor sign the document in Serbia, how easy was it for him?" Mouratoglou added.
"I'll give you another example: Novak Djokovic is the only tennis player at the top of the game who has refused to have his image in a video game. Because he believes it is not good for children. So, he doesn't take the cheque," Mouratoglou said.
"It's really special." The 51-year-old added that he expected people's perceptions of the 20-time Grand Slam champion to change with time. "A lot of people are good at pretending they are authentic, but I look at what they do and not what they say. In his case, I think his acts speak louder than what he might have said," Mouratoglou said.