The new season of tennis began on a rather unconventional note. The Australian Open was making the headlines even before the tournament started. The visa controversy involving Novak Djokovic and his subsequent deportation from Australia left the tennis fraternity stunned.

The controversy became the talk of the town with many of his fellow players taking stands for and against the Serb. Additionally, people took to the streets to voice their opinions in favor of him.

Recently, the 20-time Grand Slam champion revealed some details on this episode.

‘That’s What Happened to Me a Few Times’ – Daniil Medvedev Takes Novak Djokovic’s Route to Show Support for Alexander Zverev After Acapulco Outburst

Novak Djokovic opens up on sports and politics

The Serb is in Dubai to participate in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. However, he had a shock quarterfinals exit after losing to Jiri Vesely. While in Dubai, Djokovic detailed the events in the lead-up to the Australian Open 2022. Further, he denied the fact that his involvement had a political angle.

He said, “For me, sport has always been above politics. Although some think that I politicized this whole situation, that I deliberately wanted to enter the country and attract attention. They think that I entered politics more than sports. But the opposite is true: I left because I am an athlete and because that is the place where I recorded my best results. I wanted to respect my colleagues and that’s why I didn’t advertise until it was over.”

Trending

10 Years After Backing Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian’s Now $10 Billion Undertaking, Snoop Dogg Receives a Heartfelt Note

May 06, 2024 11:05 AM EDT

Serena Williams’ Ex Drake Blasted by Her Husband Alexis Ohanian as He Get Due Revenge After Nasty Humiliation in 2022

May 06, 2024 06:58 AM EDT

‘I Was Already Salty’- Serena Williams Pokes Husband Alexis Ohanian Over His $180 Million Master-Stroke for Their Daughter Olympia

May 03, 2024 08:01 PM EDT

Iga Swiatek Bluntly Rejects Aryna Sabalenka’s Acknowledgement as She Adds More to Humiliation After Viled Shade in Madrid

May 06, 2024 12:20 PM EDT

Italian Open 2024: Jessica Pegula’s Unfortunate Exit Prompts Partner Coco Gauff to Pick 29-YO WTA Star as Doubles Partner

May 05, 2024 07:10 PM EDT

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

Follow Us

Further, he added, “A very ugly image of me was created. They humiliated me, if I may say so, on a world level. That is why it is important that I always have the opportunity to say something, if someone wants to ask me something, I will answer, I will repeat my answers because I have nothing else to add but what I said for the BBC.” (Translated using Google Translate)

Daniil Medvedev to replace Djokovic as World Number 1 next week

The Russian, who has been putting on some consistent performances over the last few years, will dethrone Novak Djokovic as the top-ranked player in men’s singles when the ATP rankings are updated on Monday. Medvedev will become the 27th player in history to be ranked as World Number 1 in men’s singles.

Djokovic’s absence from the Australian Open this year and fine performances by Medvedev resulted in the latter’s rise to the top. Can Djokovic reclaim the top spot later this year? Let us know your views in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY: The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis