‘What They Have Done to Novak Is Tragic’: Novak Djokovic’s Former Coach Says There Was No Chance Rafael Nadal Could Have Won if Djokovic Was Playing
Follow Us
There is no doubt that Novak Djokovic is one of the greatest players of all time. With 20 Grand Slams to his name and most weeks spent as World No. 1, he is indeed a force to reckon with. A person who contributed to the Serb’s success is Nikola Pilic, his ex-coach.
Pilic has been one of the key figures in making Djokovic the sportsperson that he is today. He trained the Serb when he was just 12 years old, in Germany. Since then, the Croatian former player has also been an integral part of Djokovic’s entourage. Known for not mincing his words, Pilic has previously mentioned how the Western world is plotting against Djokovic’s success. Pilic believes that Rafael Nadal would not have won the title if Australia had allowed Djokovic to compete.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“This cannot be considered a true triumph for Rafa due to the absence of the best player in the world. The only ones who consider the Spaniard the best in history are the Western media, who cannot assume that someone from the Balkans already has overcome and is the best in a sport that they consider as their own… Djokovic is the GOAT,” he said.
(Quotes have been translated using Google Translate)
Pilic thinks Novak Djokovic was humiliated
Novak Djokovic arrived in Melbourne with the aim of defending his Australian Open title, but the immigration authorities whisked him away to a detention facility. What followed was a lengthy and dramatic court battle and negotiations.
The status of the World No. 1’s visa hung in balance for almost two weeks, but ultimately Australian immigration minister, Alex Hawke, revoked his visa. Amidst a blaze of controversy and divided opinions, the authorities deported Djokovic to his home country.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Leylah Fernandez vs Anastasia Potapova; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 25, 2024 01:16 PM EDT
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Mutua Madrid Open: Controversy Erupts After Bethanie Mattek-Sands’ Astounding Act Leaves Opponent Displeased
April 25, 2024 06:44 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
BREAKING:
Alex Hawke, the Australian Minister for Immigration, has cancelled Novak Djokovic's Australian visa "on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so."
This is effectively a re-deportation order for the unvaccinated nine-time #AusOpen champion. pic.twitter.com/2P611AbUiw
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 14, 2022
While many players in the tennis fraternity said that the citizens and the country came first, not the sport, some said that Djokovic was forced to become a victim of petty politics. Pilic also has a similar mindset. “What they have done to Djokovic is tragic, he has been the victim of humiliation and treatment horrible, it seemed that he was a criminal, after everything he has done for this sport,” he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What did you make of the entire saga? Let us know in the comments.
WATCH THIS STORY:‘It’s a Joke’: John McEnroe Furious Over Novak Djokovic’s Deportation From Australia