Novak Djokovic news: Johanna Konta bemoans ‘sad situation’ affecting ‘generous’ world No 1
Johanna Konta has lamented the fact that Novak Djokovic is not competing at the Australian Open, saying it “sad” that he is not able to gun for a 21st Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park.
The drawn-out saga involving Djokovic came to a conclusion on Sunday when three judges unanimously upheld Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision to revoke his visa for a second time and the Serbian was deported later in the day.
Hawke’s decision – based on “health and good order grounds” with fears that his presence could stoke anti-vaccination protests – came after the world No 1 won his appeal against the original case by the Australian Border Force to cancel his visa upon his arrival in the country.
Konta, who retired from professional tennis in 2021, bemoaned the Serbian’s absence from the season-opening Grand Slam.
“There are a lot of different elements to it,” she said in the Eurosport Cube.
“But I think overall it’s just a sad situation. It’s so sad to see someone who tries really hard to do right by people, right by fans, right by tournaments. He’s quite generous with his money and time to help.
“I think it’s unfortunate to see someone in that situation and hurting like that. Also, we would have loved to see Djokovic there playing for his 21st Grand Slam. It’s history and we want to be a part of that history.”
Novak Djokovic news: Will world No 1 be able to defend his Wimbledon title? What about the US Open?
Djokovic had admitted in court papers that he is not vaccinated against Covid-19, but Konta has warned that he could find it difficult to compete at the highest level if he doesn’t get inoculated.
“The more these things happen, the narrower his decision will have to become,” she said.
Konta added: “Right now, he probably needs to take a bit of time to recover from what happened in Australia.
“That was a quite ordeal and we have no idea how much emotional stress and energy that took out of him. So I think he’s probably going to take some time, look after himself, spend time with his family and then reassess on how he wants to move forward.”
Latest
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka used ‘parenting techniques’ to cope with Miami Open technical meltdown
Victoria Azarenka’s latest match was held up as the line-calling technology broke down – and she was not impressed.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz makes Jannik Sinner confession during Rafael Nadal-Roger Federer rivalry comparison
“I hope it will allow me to get the best out of myself … seeing the standard he sets.”
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic 3.0: Tennis great’s latest re-invention already underway with ruthless coaching move
The innovation doesn’t stop with Novak Djokovic.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic announces shock departure of long-term coach – ‘Thanks for everything my friend’
Did anyone see that Novak Djokovic coaching bombshell coming?
-
ATP Tour
Expert reveals how long Andy Murray could be sidelined if he requires surgery after ‘devastating’ injury
“The decision will be made to potentially treat it with non-surgery but that’s unlikely I think.”
-
ATP Tour
Carlos Alcaraz has bad news for his rivals with latest remarks as he also gives insight into aggressive tactics
Carlos Alcaraz is “feeling great on the court” again, which should be a concern for his rivals.
-
WTA Tour
Victoria Azarenka reveals how Novak Djokovic is inspiring her to reach for more
How world No 1 Novak Djokovic is inspiring Victoria Azarenka to reach for more.
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner can’t control his laughter as he hits his physio in a ‘really important’ spot
Physio Giacomo Naldi was in Jannik Sinner’s line of fire at the Miami Open.