Novak Djokovic versus Australia. There’s never been a campaign like it. He’ll revel in his against-all-odds status at the Open. He hasn’t been the underdog for about a decade.
The world No.1 has taken on the Australian government. And won. It’s the most extraordinary victory of his career.
A country whose leaders stand on their tough immigration laws – we decide who gets in, not you – now has a Serbian tennis player walking the streets, hugging trees, sipping coffees and having a hit of tennis while, wait for it, unvaccinated. Welcome to Australia and have a nice day.
Let’s assume Immigration Minister Alex Hawke doesn’t use his powers to send Djokovic back to Serbia despite the 20-time major winner’s triumph in the Federal Circuit Court on Monday.
Let’s assume that when the draw comes out later this week, Djokovic is there as the top seed. When he chases his 10th Open crown and more importantly, a 21st major title to move past Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as the most successful male player in history, make no mistake … he will do so with a chip on his shoulder the size of Mount Hotham.
He may play it down in public. Who knows? But he’s spent a large portion of his career exaggerating on-court injuries and ailments. He’s never been immune to on-court hypochondria. It’s annoyed the heck out of opponents. He complains about being unable to see properly, and then he can see awfully well. His legs are gone. He finds them soon enough. Courtside flowers are triggering his allergies. Why does he do it? To manufacture an underdog status. To tell himself it will be some sort of a miracle if he wins. It’s invariably when he plays the lights out.
He doesn’t have to manufacture adversity this time. His rivals, including Nadal, have been playing serious warm-up tournaments in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney while he’s been in immigration detention.
Djokovic returns to the court that has done him the most favours. Rod Laver Arena has given him more majors than any other centre court. “Well, the last but not least, I would like to thank this court,” he said at last year’s presentation ceremony. “I would like to thank Rod Laver Arena. I love you each year, more and more. The love affair keeps going. Thank you so much.”
He’s always looking for motivational fuel. It doesn’t come much better than this – winning the major tournament of a country whose government didn’t want to let him in.
Djokovic was beaten in last year’s US Open final by Russia’s Daniil Medvedev when a calendar-year grand slam, and his 21st major, were at his fingertips. Had a shocker. Why? The favouritism was too much. Detention has freed him of that. If he wins at Melbourne Park, it will be folkloric. If he loses, well, he can fall back on a decent excuse. A real one.
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