Former World No. 1 Mats Wilander recently shared his views on Novak Djokovic’s final verdict of deportation. Djokovic won’t be there to defend his title and it will be exciting to see how the others turn up in his absence.
vaccinated. Wilander feels that not allowing Djokovic to participate in the Australian Open can have a massive impact on Men’s tennis history.
Djokovic was a heavy favourite to win the Australian Open yet again. It has been his fortress for some years now. Many people thought that he will break the jinx of 20 Grand Slams and go one up over Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer by winning the Grand Slam Down Under. But now with the entire scene, Wilander believes that there is a possibility that the ‘ Big 3’ may end their career with 20 Grand Slams each.
“The judge has to realize that maybe he is changing the history of our sport – but what can you do?” Wilander told Eurosport. “I cannot imagine the state of mind Novak must be in right now plus it’s by far his most favourite tournament – one he has won nine times – he’s chasing 21 Grand Slams and this was his big chance to go ahead of Roger and Rafa.”
“To me, now there is a good chance all three will end up on 20 Grand Slams, which will be amazing,” he added.
Djokovic arrived in Melbourne last week despite being unvaccinated. However he landed in Australia with a medical exemption, he was barred by the authorities at the airport. His visa was cancelled for failing to provide sufficient documents for his medical exemption.
The Serb lodged an appeal and the federal court ruled in his favour as he got back his visa reinstated. But then the Serb’s visa was cancelled for the second time as Australia’s Immigration Minister Alex Hawke. Hawke felt that Djokovic’s presence could trigger the anti–vaxxers present in their country, something that they can’t afford right now.
Wilander stated his shock at the final verdict as he felt tired of the entire saga sharing the effect this might have put on other players.
“”I’m surprised and I’m shocked,” Wilander said. “I’m a little bit exhausted as well because we have been hearing about this for a week. I give Novak a lot of credit for trying but at the same time he knew there might be the possibility that with the rules you have to be vaccinated.”
He also took a moment to share his sympathy for the other players featuring in the Australian Open. “You also have to think about the other players – they have been asked about this for the whole time they have been in Australia, ” Wilander concluded.
