Novak Djokovic deportation reaction: Rafael Nadal says Djoker must own role in ‘terrible mess’
Rafael Nadal says tennis finds itself in a “terrible situation” and Novak Djokovic must accept responsibility for the sad state of affairs despite not being the only one to blame.
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THE man with the most to gain from Novak Djokovic’s Australia Open exit has delivered his final say on the saga.
Rafael Nadal described the tournament-hijacking scandal as a “terrible situation” and said Djokovic had to accept his portion of the blame, after the world No.1 was sensationally deported on Sunday.
Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open title after a harrowing 10 days spread across hotel detention, the courtroom and Rod Laver Arena.
Fingers have been pointed in many directions about who is to blame — Djokovic, Tennis Australia and the State and Federal Governments — as Nadal noted.
“I think the situation has been a mess,” Nadal said.
“He’s not the only one that probably did bad things in that case. There are more (parties) responsible in this terrible situation we’ve faced over the last two weeks.
“But he’s one of those responsible.”
But Djokovic’s exit leaves Nadal as the only former Australian Open winner remaining in the men’s field, with a 21st grand slam title of his own in sight — a goal he took the first steps towards, with a ruthless straight-sets win over America’s Marcos Giron on Monday.
Because while the world was looking the other way, everybody forgot about Nadal.
If you had forgotten, the classy Spaniard gave a brutal reminder in a two-hour masterclass, dropping just seven games across three sets to seal his 70th Australian Open win.
Giron was not ready for Hurricane Nadal, losing the first set in just 24 minutes as he came to grips with the Spanish bull for the first time at tour level.
It leaves Nadal with six more matches to knock over in order to snatch the history Djokovic was so brazenly chasing in Melbourne this summer: grand slam title No.21.
In a perfect world, Nadal would like his Serbian sparring partner on the other side of the net along the way.
“The ideal situation in the world of sport, that the best players are on court and playing the most important events without a doubt,” he said.
“That’s better for the sport without a doubt. If Novak Djokovic is playing here, it is better for everybody, no doubt about that.”
Osaka’s brutally blunt response to key Djoker question
Almost every player has been asked their opinion about what happened to the recently deported world No.1 – with some giving long and insightful answers on the situation.
Naomi Osaka didn’t exactly fall into the category when she was asked about Djokovic after her first Round win.
This is how the exchange played out.
Reporter: Do you believe Djokovic should be playing at the Australian Open this year?
Osaka: Is my opinion going to help anything?
Reporter: Asking what other players think of the situation.
Osaka: Yeah, I’ll kind of pass on that. Thanks, though.
That wasn’t just a pass. It was a hard pass.
Aussie great: Djoker has tarnished legacy amid saga
Novak Djokovic has tarnished his legacy amid the deportation fiasco that ultimately cost the Australian Open its No. 1 men’s player, according to Australian tennis great Todd Woodbridge.
Djokovic was deported from Australia just hours before the grand slam began following a week-long saga and two courtroom showdowns with the Australian government.
Woodbridge said the visa scandal would follow Djokovic for the remainder of his career and even hinder any argument that he could be the greatest player of all time.
“What’s played out for Novak over the last weeks will ultimately hurt his legacy,” Woodbridge said.
“He’ll always be known as a great player, but this makes it hard for him to ever be the greatest.”
Djokovic — who was under Australian Federal Police guard at Tullamarine — departed Melbourne on a Qantas flight bound for Dubai late on Sunday night just 12 hours before play began at Melbourne Park and was spotted leaving Dubai carrying his tennis bag on Monday, posing for selfies as he exited the plan.
Djokovic’s close friend and fellow player Vasek Pospisil lashed Australian officials and claimed that the Serbian star “would have skipped the Australian Open” had he had a sense of what would occur.
Novak would never have gone to Australia if he had not been given an exemption to enter the country by the government (which he did receive; hence Judge Kelly’s initial ruling). He would have skipped the Australian Open and been home with his family and no one would be.. [1/2]
— Vasek Pospisil (@VasekPospisil) January 16, 2022
“Novak would never have gone to Australia if he had not been given an exemption to enter the country by the government,” he tweeted.
“He would have skipped the Australian Open and been home with his family and no one would be talking about this mess. There was a political agenda at play here with the elections coming up which couldn’t be more obvious.
“This is not his fault. He did not force his way into the country and did not ‘make his own rules’; he was ready to stay home.”
Australian star Nick Kyrgios said on Twitter that he wished players “could have done more” for Novak Djokovic.
Im sorry. Wish we could of done more.
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 17, 2022
John McEnroe — who won seven grand slams — described the situation as “total and utter chaos” and said the 12-day battle had become an “absolute joke”.
As the role of Tennis Australia in the saga comes under the microscope, top Australian coach and former player Darren Cahill said Tennis Australia chief executive and tournament director Craig Tiley should not be a scapegoat.
“I hated the exemption (Djokovic) had ... because I think that exemption was for people who wanted to get vaccinated and couldn’t because they’ve contracted Covid and you have to wait three, six months and then you get vaccinated,” Cahill, ex-mentor to former world No. 1 Simona Halep, said on Nine.
“Novak never wanted to be vaccinated so I hated that exemption. If you have an acute medical illness or something holding you back from getting it, no problem, but I didn’t like the whole thing at the start.
“It was a mess from the start and got worse and worse. I think a lot of responsibility sits with the Tennis Australia board.
“I would hate to see Craig Tiley have it all lumped on his shoulders.
“The state government’s not talking to the federal government, and did the federal government grandstand here and try to make the most of an opportunity? Then in the end, I started to feel sorry for Novak. I think it was a complete and utter mess.”
Kyrgios’ first round opponent Liam Broady said the winner of a Djokovic-free Open would not have an “asterisk” next to their victory.
“I hate the argument that there should be an asterisk next to this year’s winner of the Australian Open,” he wrote.
“That would mean every tournament that the world number 1 doesn’t play should have an asterisk next to it. For most of the 60’s the best players didn’t even play the slams.”
ROGUE MCENROE’S BIZARRE DJOKER DEFENCE
Tennis legend John McEnroe has defended Novak Djokovic in a bizarre rant, labelling his deportation as “total BS” and questioning the validity of journalist’s reporting on the saga before being cut off.
McEnroe said Djokovic’s decision to head to Australia was “gutsy”, believing the world No.1 was willing to do whatever it takes to play at the Australian Open.
“(It’s an) absolute joke what’s gone on the last 12 days,” he said. “It’s sad the way it ended. I watched it play out live,” McEnroe said on an ESPN preview of the Australian Open.
“It’s total BS. If he decides not to have a vaccine and the Australian authorities say ‘you cannot go down there, unless you’re vaccinated, end of story, it’s black or white.
WATCH McENROE’S TIRADE IN THE PLAYER ABOVE
“He decides whether or not he wants to do it. He’s got very strong beliefs he’s entitled to those beliefs.
“The guys won it nine times. It was gutsy (to go) in way. I’ve got to hand it to him. I’ve got seven majors, he’s got 20, the reason he’s got a lot more than me is because he’s willing to go risk that, to go down there.”
“You’re talking about a guy that was potentially about to break Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s record and that he was willing to go to these lengths: “I don’t want to get vaccinated but I’m going to do whatever it takes”.”
He then questioned whether journalists could be trusted in their reporting of the saga, until he was cut off mid-sentence.
“Here’s the other part that’s weird. Djokovic apparently ... and listen, I’m a fan of Novak and I have a lot of respect for him ... but supposedly he knew he had it, and then he flew back and went to Serbia and that’s not what you’re allowed to do,” he said.
“And then he met with some journalist, allegedly. ... that he spoke to a journalist, in Serbia I believe, I don’t know the exact details of the dates, but .. is that proven, is that absolute fact? “You know journalists have been known to make....”
‘STRIP SEARCHED: BOGUT’S WILD CLAIMS ABOUT TENNIS MESS
Controversial ex-Boomer Andrew Bogut has claimed that Australian Open players have been “too scared to speak out” about the Novak Djokovic deportation fiasco.
The Melbourne-based basketballer tweeted his support for NBA star Nikola Vucevic, who voiced his support for Djokovic on Monday morning.
Bogut claimed that “we know for a fact not all tennis players agree with what happened to (Djokovic)” and that the response in the wake of the Serbian superstar’s deportation was “eerily quiet”.
Yes @NikolaVucevic !
— Andrew Bogut (@andrewbogut) January 17, 2022
We know for a fact not all Tennis players agree w what happened to @DjokerNole
We also know the ones that dont agree are too scared to speak out against mainstream narratives.
What about the female player who was STRIP SEARCHED?
Its eerily quiet…. https://t.co/91hXy5XnYE
What happened to Djokovic is just politicians using their power to show off and get extra followers.
— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) January 16, 2022
It has nothing to do with Covid or visa issues, they used him to try to make themselves look better.
Very sad how they treated a First Class Champion!
“We also know the ones that don’t agree are too scared to speak out against mainstream narratives,” he said.
Czech player Renata Voracova was deported prior to Djokovic after also facing visa issues, saying she had endured “a long interrogation with instructions such as ‘undress, get dressed’”.
“What about the female player who was STRIP SEARCHED?,” Bogut tweeted.
“It’s eerily quiet….”
‘ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT’: DJOKOVIC’S FATHER SLAMS DEPORTATION
The deportation of Novak Djokovic from Australia sparked outrage across the world — and particularly in Serbia.
The chorus of criticism was lead by the world No.1’s father, who described the saga as an “assassination attempt”.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Australia had “humiliated themselves”, while the country’s Olympic Committee called the move “scandalous”.
Hours after a Federal Court unanimously upheld the cancellation of his visa on public order grounds, an “extremely disappointed” Djokovic complied with a direction to leave the country.
The humbled star boarded a flight from Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport for Dubai late Sunday, accompanied by a retinue of aides and officials.Emirates flight EK409 took off at 10:51 pm local time (1151 GMT), according to an AFP reporter on board.
“The assassination attempt on the best sportsman in the world is over, 50 bullets to Novak’s chest. See you in Paris,” the world No.1’s father, Srdjan Djokovic, said in an Instagram post.
It was the second time in 11 days that the Australian government had tried to deport Djokovic fearing his presence in the country would fuel anti-vaccination feeling.
NO ASTERISK NEXT TO TITLE
Nick Kyrgios’ first-round opponent has slammed the suggestion that the Australian Open winner would have an “asterisk” in the absence of Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic was sensationally deported on Sunday night, quashing his attempt at a record 21st grand slam.
But whoever wins the Open shouldn’t be diminished, according to Liam Broady.
“I hate the argument that there should be an asterisk next to this year’s winner of the Australian Open,” he wrote.
“That would mean every tournament that the world number 1 doesn’t play should have an asterisk next to it. For most of the 60’s the best players didn’t even play the slams.”
SERBIAN PRESIDENT: ‘THEY HAVE HUMILIATED THEMSELVES’
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic was withering in his criticism of Australian authorities.
“They think that they have by this, this mistreatment of 10 days, humiliated Djokovic, but they have humiliated themselves. Djokovic can return to his country with his head held high,” Vucic told a state media outlet.
Vucic has remained steadfast in his support for his country’s national hero throughout the drama, calling the earlier detention of the tennis star a “political witch hunt”.
“I spoke earlier to Novak Djokovic after the decision and I encouraged him. We look forward to seeing him return to his country, where he is always welcome,” the president added.
While Djokovic has a safe, comfortable life to return to, refugees who flee their homes only to be deported- are doubly persecuted. They cannot return safely. This is what it means to be a refugee.
— Behrouz Boochani (@BehrouzBoochani) January 16, 2022
SERBIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE: ‘SCANDALOUS DECISION’
“We are proud of Novak Djokovic and the way he coped with these extremely difficult and unpleasant circumstances. Despite this scandalous decision, we believe Novak came out as the winner again,” the committee said in a statement posted online.
TENNIS ANTI-VAXXER TENNYS SANDGREN: ‘BAT SH*T CRAZY’
“You know when an ‘icon of free choice’ isn’t welcome in a western country, things have gone batshit crazy,” Sandgren wrote on Twitter.
“I wish I was there just so I could pull out. I guess solidarity is only cool when it comes with a check.”
“If you think the sport tennis matters more than this issue ... You are a fu**ing moron.”
If you think the sport tennis matters more than this issue
— Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) January 16, 2022
You are a fucking moron
I wish I was there just so I could pull out. I guess solidarity is only cool when it comes with a check
— Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) January 16, 2022
You know when an “icon of free choice†isn’t welcome in a western country, things have gone batshit crazy
— Tennys Sandgren (@TennysSandgren) January 16, 2022
DJOKOVIC’S FAMILY: ‘DISAPPOINTED’
“We are very disappointed by a federal court ruling and the fact that Novak has to leave Australia,” the family said in the statement published by local media outlets.
“These are difficult moments, notably for Novak, but what we all have to do -- namely us, his family -- is to give him support more than ever,” the family added.
FELLOW SERBIAN PLAYERS: ‘NEVER SHOULD’VE HAPPENED’
Compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic, who was set to face nine-time champion Djokovic in the first round of the Australian Open, called the incident a “bitter pill to swallow”.
“Our little Serbian team here in Melbourne is upset and disappointed and I think we have to make an extra effort to somehow avenge our best representative who was prevented from being here,” Kecmanovic wrote on Instagram.
He also wrote: “I haven’t talked to many players, but the ones I did talk to agree that this was nonsense that never should’ve happened. He was treated unjustly by politicians. Him not playing is a huge loss for the sport.
FELLOW PLAYERS
Daniil Medvedev said: “I don’t think it’s the fault of the tournament what’s happening.
“I haven’t been in touch with him. He actually texted me yesterday about something and I texted him back. It was personal.
“If he has a valid exemption then he should play, if he doesn’t then he shouldn’t.
“Because it’s a controversy there will always be different opinions and I don’t think there is actually the right one.
“There are rules in the country you have to play.“
🤦ðŸ½â€â™‚ï¸
— Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) January 16, 2022
Novak Djokovic’s last seven grand slam results:
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 16, 2022
Disqualified
🥈
ðŸ†
ðŸ†
ðŸ†
🥈
Deported
Easily the wildest timeline in tennis history.#AusOpen
DJOKOVIC DEBATE HITS NBA
Even NBA players are buying into the “unbelievable” Djokovic saga.
Chicago Bull Nikola Vucevic has accused the Australian government of “using their power to show off and get extra followers”.
And he also delivered a drive-by to Djokovic’s fellow tennis stars on the way through.
“What happened to Djokovic is just politicians using their power to show off and get extra followers. It has nothing to do with Covid or visa issues, they used him to try to make themselves look better,” the Montenegrin wrote on Twitter.
“Very sad how they treated a First Class Champion!
“Also to me the saddest thing in this whole Djokovic thing was that only two of his colleagues stood by his side, everyone else got scared…unbelievable.”
Vucevic’s opponent, New York Knick Evan Fournier disagreed in simple style.
“Na bro,” he countered.
Vucevic has been overwhelmingly slammed by hundreds of his followers for his stance.
PIERS MORGAN: ‘CHEAT ... LIAR’
“Covid rule cheat, immigration form liar, & anti-vaxxer icon Novak Djokovic loses final appeal against deportation & will be thrown out of Australia without being able to compete in Aus Open. Good,” wrote the British commentator.
BREAKING: Covid rule cheat, immigration form liar, & anti-vaxxer icon Novak Djokovic loses final appeal against deportation & will be thrown out of Australia without being able to compete in Aus Open. Good. ðŸ‘ðŸ‘👠pic.twitter.com/nZAVgSsZK8
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) January 16, 2022
PRIME MINISTER SCOTT MORRISON: ‘I WELCOME THE DECISION’
“This cancellation decision was made on health, safety and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said hailing the court verdict.
“I welcome the decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe.”
GOVERNMENT’S LEGAL TEAM: ‘ICON FOR ANTI-VACCINATION’
“He (Djokovic) has now become an icon for the anti-vaccination groups,” government lawyer Stephen Lloyd said. “Rightly or wrongly he is perceived to endorse an anti-vaccination view and his presence here is seen to contribute to that. He could set the record straight if it needed correcting. He has not -- that has important consequences.”
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