“He Is Sensitive to Public Opinion”: Novak Djokovic Backed by Tennis Legend Amid Backlash at Australian Open 2021
Follow Us
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is the man of the hour. But instead of his title-defense in Australia, the 33-year-old is making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Earlier, Novak requested that Tennis Australia provide better quarantine conditions to tennis players facing the 14-day lockdown. However, the news picked up instantly and claimed that the Serbian was misusing his privilege.
Now, former World No. 1 Jim Courier has spoken on the Serb’s behalf. “Novak has gone out of his way to stand up for other players in Australia,” Courier said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
This is not the first time Novak has looked out for his fellow players. Last year, he founded the Professional Tennis Players Association with Vasek Pospisil, to protect the interests of players on Tour.
Moreover, the 8-time Australian Open champion issued a statement as soon as he saw his intentions being taken in the wrong sense. In the statement, he even apologized to the public despite having had good intentions.
“Want to Feel Welcome”: Novak Djokovic Calls a Truce Ahead Australian Open 2021
Courier asks people to give Novak Djokovic another chance
Given the coronavirus crisis, many believed that hosting a Grand Slam tournament was not a wise decision. And at the same time, Novak requesting leniency just opened another door for public criticism.
“He was being a leader and it just came off wrong in the public,” Jim continued. “And I hope the Australian public will give him another chance to at least explain himself.”
Trending
Coco Gauff Brushing Aside Madrid Open Heart-Break With ‘Sexy’ Dinner Date Impresses Boyfriend Jalen Sera and Danielle Collins
May 02, 2024 05:57 AM EDT
‘Coco Come Collect Your Coach’ – Fans Brutally Troll Brad Gilbert as He Naively Falls for Carlos Alcaraz Involved Misinformation
May 01, 2024 12:05 PM EDT
‘Do You See How Big This Area Is?’ – Intimidating Serena Williams Reveals Serious Moment With Husband Alexis Ohanian on Their First Meeting in Italy
May 02, 2024 08:39 PM EDT
Madrid Open: Disappointed Coco Gauff Fans Demand Rightful Streaming of Her Intense Encounter Against Madison Keys
April 29, 2024 06:39 PM EDT
‘RIP Beautiful’ – Serena Williams’ Ex-Coach Mourns 15-YO Teenager’s Tragic Death Who Succumbed to Prolonged Bullying
May 01, 2024 03:38 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Similarly, the Serbian’s remarks on the removal of line-judges also caused him a backlash initially. To a certain extent, he is often construed as offending to the traditional tennis fans.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, according to the 4-time Grand Slam champion, Novak should be admired for being able to stand alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“He is sensitive to public opinion,” the 50-year-old American added. “He spends energy trying to court public opinion and based on what he’s done on the court he should be a huge fan favorite; he’s just come up at a time that a lot of the fan base have decided they’re a Roger (Federer) fan or a Rafa (Nadal) fan.”
As the air clears out, the 17-time Grand Slam champion’s title defense will once again become a talking point. But this time around, he will have to battle through a hungry batch of next-generation players.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Can Novak Djokovic, winner of last the two Australian Open, make it three in a row?
WATCH: When Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Others Broke Down at Australian Open