Novak Djokovic news: Tim Henman’s verdict on the scandal as new rumours emerge

Kevin Palmer
January 12, 2022

Tim Henman believes Novak Djokovic will face a “very hostile” reception if he gets a chance to play at the Australian Open, amid fresh reports that the Australian government are preparing to cancel the world number one’s visa for a second time.

Djokovic has been in state of limbo after winning a court battle to have his visa reinstated after it was revoked by Australian border police after he failed to pass their condition to enter the country while unvaccinated for Covid-19.

Now Henman has told Eurosport that Djokovic faces a tough time on court in he plays in front of what may be a fired-up Australian crowd.

“I think it will be a very hostile reception,” said Henman, who will be part of Eurosport’s coverage of the first Grand Slam of the year.

“We all know what the Australian people have been through over the last couple of years and the hardships of the lockdowns, and I don’t think in my opinion Djokovic will be well received when he goes on the court.

“I think that’s unfortunate for the tournament. It’s a great event in Australia and they’ve had their challenges over the last couple of years. I hope it’s not a cloud that remains over the tournament.

“Knowing Djokovic’s attitude, he seems to thrive within that sort of confrontation though. It’s obviously not the ideal preparation to be stuck in a room for four or five days but I’m sure he’s very relieved to be out and excited about the opportunity.

“Given his record in Melbourne, having won nine times, he is going to be he’s going be very difficult to beat I think.

“If you asked me to reflect on the whole episode, I think it was not a good look for anyone, whether that’s Tennis Australia, the state of Victoria, or the Australian government, or Djokovic himself.

“I think this could have, and should have been, avoided. And once there’s this sort of grey area, and you get lawyers involved, then it’s inevitably going to get messy. So yeah, it wasn’t a good look for anyone.”

Meanwhile, fresh reports in Australia suggest their federal government is preparing to cancel Djokovic’s visa for a second time, after he admitted he attend an event after he tested positive for Covid-19 on December 16th.

He has also admitted his immigration form stating he had not travelled outside of Serbia for the 14 days prior to his arrival in Australia was incorrect, as he spent time in Spain prior to that.

There are now also questions being asked over whether Djokovic should have been allowed into Spain as he is unvaccinated.

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