Novak Djokovic

Love him or hate him and Novak does seem to divide the audience it is pretty undisputed he is if not the greatest of all time certainly up there with the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

My love of tennis began watching John McEnroe lose his cool on Centre Court but as the years have passed my patience for moods and outburst has waned especially when you are the best in the world.

I am conflicted writing this snoop. Personal opinions are rarely helpful and I believe in the old adage “if you haven’t got anything positive to say then be quiet”

Novak has ensured 1000’s of children have been provided with early years pre school education they would ordinarily have been denied through the charitable work of The Novak Foundation, run by his wife Jelena Djokovic.

He and his family model a plant based diet, doing his bit personally for the climate and inspiring his young fans with eating his favourite food fruit.

I have followed his career since his epic win at the Australian Open in 2008 and have enjoyed many hours of thrilling tennis over the years.

He has been an inspiration to many regarding individual health annd wellbeing and making personal choices that don’t always align with the majority When he decided to refuse the COVID vaccination and was quarantined in Australia not allowed to compete he became a force and figurehead for others being pressurised by society to be vaccinated.

After the fact many people have stated they were harmed and even killed by the vaccine.

There are always two sides to every story, Mr. Djokovic has talked openly about the times he has lost his temper and has admitted being embarrassed and not happy with his behaviour.

He did play an exhibition match at the request of the Saudi royal family last year. They played on Christmas Eve in the Orthodox Church 27th Dec, 2023 in a stadium where women and girls are not allowed to attend to watch unaccompanied.

Of course I have no idea the thinking behind this decision that many fans were disconcerted by. I really hope the money was used for more good work.

I recently listened to Patrick Morotoglou, a very well respected tennis coach talking about Novak’s authenticity, something many people have questioned in the past (I must say the Saudi Arabia thing bothered me) and he talked about how easy it would have been for someone with Novak’s pull, money and power to get a doctor to say he had been vaccinated when he hadn’t. Instead he stuck to his guns against the whole world and was punished and vilified in such an extreme way, so I am with Patrick I believe him to be completely authentic, not always as humble as he would like but then again who is and if I ever get the chance to meet him I shall ask him face to face the reason he went and Carlos Alcaraz graced the Saudis with their talent.

I am wishing every success for a medal, hopefully gold at the Olympics, Paris 24

Image credits @djokernole Instagram