Home

Tennis

‘The Best Thing Would Be to Go Home’: Martina Navratilova Makes Huge Statement on Novak Djokovic Saga

Published 01/13/2022, 5:14 AM EST

Follow Us

via Reuters

The Novak Djokovic visa cancelation saga has split the world of tennis. Some are coming in support of the Serb, while the rest have spoken strongly against him. People are seen taking to social media to express their views on this matter. The latest star to speak on this is the 18-time women’s singles Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova.

Navratilova gives her take on World Number 1

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The legend, who has achieved a career-high ranking of one in both women’s singles as well as doubles, has blasted Novak Djokovic amid the ongoing visa saga and his views on Covid-19 vaccination. While speaking to Sunrise-7News, the 9-time Wimbledon champion said that it was a mistake on everyone’s part.

She further went on to add, “Sometimes your personal beliefs have to be trumped by what is good for the greater good, for those around you, for your peers.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

via Reuters

Further, she felt that if a player doesn’t want to get vaccinated; they have two choices; either get vaccinated because everyone around is getting it or don’t go to the tournament. Over the years, she has always defended Novak and admired his commitment to becoming the best tennis player he could possibly be. At the same time, as a role model, she believes the World Number 1 should act for the greater good.

WATCH THIS STORY: Longest Reigning World No. 1s

On being asked whether Djokovic should play in the Australian Open, Martina said that the right thing for Novak to do was to ‘go home’. However, she felt that the Serb won’t do that because he wants his 21st Grand Slam title. She went on record saying, “The best thing to happen would be for Novak to go home, but I don’t think he will do that”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What next for Novak Djokovic?

The 34-year-old had won the court case against him in the Federal Court of Australia. However, the final decision rests in the hands of the Australian Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke. Thus, the Serb’s participation is still in limbo. While we await a decision on this, the draw for the Australian Open 2022 was announced earlier today.

via Reuters

If allowed to play, the World Number 1 could possibly face Rafael Nadal in the semi-finals. We hope that this controversy gets behind and the action shifts back onto the tennis courts soon.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Vatsal Shah

2,218Articles

One take at a time

Vatsal Shah is a tennis author at EssentiallySports. With a Bachelor's degree in engineering, he is a die hard fan of tennis and sports in general. He is an ardent follower of Rafael Nadal and is inspired by his never-say-die attitude.
Show More>