The controversy around Novak Djokovic and his participation in the Australian Open 2022  has finally died down. After weeks of the tussle between the Australian government and the Serbian champion, the former deported Novak from the country.

Consequently, many in the sporting community have come forward to voice their support for Djokovic. Numerous athletes and former stars have taken a stand against the mistreatment that the World No. 1 faced at the hands of the Australian government.

Furthermore, it wasn’t just the tennis community that spoke at length about the matter- athletes from all over the world took a stand. Now, Swedish soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic, too, has voiced out support for Novak Djokovic.

Zlatan defends Novak Djokovic

Zlatan Ibrahimovic spoke to the Journal du Dimanche, a French magazine in an interview around the release of his autobiography ‘Adrenalina’. He talked about his career moves, his outlook on fellow soccer stars, among other topics.

Lastly, Zlatan also shared his take on the Novak Djokovic saga that went down in Melbourne. After all, the two stars know each other well and have been friends for a while. Zlatan echoed Novak Djokovic’s sentiment about being against mandated vaccinations.

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According to the Swede, “nobody should be forced to get vaccinated”. Even though he has taken it himself, he defended Novak’s point of view. In fact, he even asked why his interviewers took the vaccine.

“To protect myself and to protect others,” Zlatan answered the question himself. Ibrahimovic believes it “is the best way to protect yourself”. However, he does not agree with the mandatory vaccinations required in order to play the Australian Open.

For him, vaccinations with health in mind are a far cry from “taking part in a tennis tournament”. “Everyone has their own opinion,” Zlatan stated as he defended Novak Djokovic’s right to his beliefs.

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“People shouldn’t be forced,” the AC Milan striker said, addressing the requirement to get the vaccine in order to work. Moreover, he also stated how he did it for himself simply to protect others around him, and himself, not to play soccer. “These are two different situations,” Zlatan finished.

French Open hopes diminish for Djokovic

Even though he had to leave the country and skip out on defending his title at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic had hoped to win his 21st Grand Slam at the French Open.

Thus, winning another Grand Slam this year itself could have Novak finally pull ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in all-time Grand Slam victories. Moreover, the French minister for sports had even stated how Novak would be welcome in the country to play at Rolland Garros.

However, those hopes have now rapidly diminished. According to new laws passed by the French government, nobody is allowed to be in public places without first showing a vaccination certificate.

This certainly spells doom for the World No. 1’s hopes of winning at the clay major. Do you think Novak Djokovic should give in and finally get the jab in order to play the tournaments?

WATCH THIS STORY: Rafael Nadal, Ashleigh Barty, And Other Tennis Stars React to Novak Djokovic Australian Open Controversy