When the 2022 Australian Open came around the corner, everyone was excited to watch their favorite players back in action. But fans of Novak Djokovic were in for something else. Officials denied him entry to the country due to the vaccination mandate. He then returned to his home, which concluded the saga. Now, he has won 24 grand slams; he interviewed with John McEnroe, who talked about the incredulous situation.

Djokovic further talked about what happened during that time with the former player. The media coverage post the incident painted him as a villain, and he clarified his opinions on the matter in the same interview.

John McEnroe animated on Novak Djokovic controversy in 2022

As the 2022 Australian Open was days away, tennis fans were focused on another situation. Djokovic’s participation in the tournament was unsure as the player was in violation of the vaccine mandate of Australia. The discussion went on for a few days. Eventually, he had to leave the country. Subsequently, he announced his withdrawal from the grand slam. 

Many tennis personalities were angered and called the decision disrespectful. John McEnroe shared the same line of thought. Now, a year and a half later, he sat down with Djokovic and recalled his thoughts on the matter.

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“I think about what’s happened to you, and I’m amazed that you’ve come out of it so incredibly well. I almost fell over when I saw what happened to you in Australia.” He further said, “That was the most incredibly outrageous things I’ve ever seen around the tennis circuit in the 50-40 years I’ve been around“.

Djokovic shared his reply to the situation, which also covered the labels given to him by the media later.

Read More – Roger Federer-Backed Ben Shelton Visibly Pissed at ‘Villain’ Novak Djokovic for Ruthless Act as ‘Revenge’ Demand Raised in Heated US Open Scenes

Djoker on being called a villain

The Serbinator is no stranger to labels. But the comments launched on him after the 2022 Australian Open troubled him. In the same interview with McEnroe, he clarified that he was never against vaccines but promoted the freedom to choose to get vaccinated. He said, “I was never anti-vax. I was always pro-freedom-to-choose“. Additionally, he was titled a ‘villain’, much to his chagrin. 

He further stated that he only wanted to play tennis and compete. Despite being lambasted from all corners, he stayed true to his beliefs, and it is paying off majorly now. A year later, he put the controversy behind him and created history in the ATP.

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