We are finally here: the 2023 Australian Open has begun, the first major tennis event of the season. It is clear that this tournament arouses a lot of curiosity among connoisseurs and various fans around the world. Without a doubt, the most anticipated tennis player is the 9-time champion in Melbourne, Novak Djokovic.
Many words have revolved around the Serbian champion, who did not participate in the Australian event last year due to his refusal to be vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus. This decision of his has caused much controversy, exclusion from the tournament and criticism from many fans who have not digested and accepted his decision.
The tournament’s general director, Craig Tiley, had commented on the news of the 21-time Grand Slam champion’s participation in the Major that he directed: “I just hope that people enjoy the tournament and know how to recognize the successes and sacrifices.
We are a company dedicated to Australian athletes, but we also know how to reward the great leaders of world sport. I hope they give a fair welcome to the tennis players, Djokovic included.” Tiley also recently issued a stern warning to haters of the Serbian champion, saying they would be thrown out of the venue if they booed and heckled the Serb during his matches at the event.
Stan Wawrinka, winner of the tournament in 2014, would instead be softer on fans in the stands expressing civil assent or dissent: The Swiss three-time Slam champion explained: “If they cross the line, then yes, but I think they should be allowed to do whatever they want.
They do it every year with all the players. Such is tennis. Such is the sport. Obviously, things happened with Novak last year, and I think there were a lot of mistakes. I think they won’t boo him.”
Novak Djokovic is optimistic
Novak Djokovic is optimistic about having a successful run at the 2023 Australian Open.
“They’re just numbers in the end of the day,” Novak Djokovic said, “I mean, I’ve been in the situations before where I’ve played for some really big historic things, and I’ve been blessed to have more success than failures in those particular situations.
I know how to behave; I know how to handle it. Let’s see how far I can go. At the same time, balance it with an everyday task so that you have to accomplish in a proper way in order to stay in the present moment, which is when you are able to perform your best – at least in my case,” he said.
