Australian Open – Novak Djokovic criticizes media in entry posse 2022: “Suddenly was the bad guy in the world”

“I was really caught up in a global media storm that had to do with Covid and the vaccine,” Djokovic lamented: “Everything got out of hand and then I was labeled as this or that. It was so big in the media that that I couldn’t resist.”

The reporting really hit the fifth in the world rankings. “The narrative in the media about me was not good at all. I stayed at home for several weeks, not going out too much and hoping that the situation would calm down.”

Djokovic criticizes: “Completely misrepresented”

In Australia itself, too, where a consistent lockdown policy had been in place since the outbreak of the pandemic, there was correspondingly great criticism of the Serbs. Although the former world number one can understand the displeasure in the population, he also criticized the one-sided reporting here.

This time has permanently damaged his image and his brand. The fact that people continue to misclassify what is happening in his eyes “hurts me the most,” admitted Djokovic.

Djokovic admits: “It wasn’t easy”

Instead, he again asserted that he had nothing to blame himself for when entering Australia. The exemption with which he received his visa had been “reviewed by an independent body and a panel of doctors.”

His game was also influenced by this, said the 21-time Grand Slam champion: “It wasn’t easy for me to mentally regroup and start again.”

Djokovic wishes a friendly welcome

In Melbourne, record winner Djokovic is now reaching for his tenth title in the Rod Laver Arena after a year’s abstinence. Despite last year’s posse, the Serb is hoping for a “positive reception” from viewers Down Under.

Djokovic has to stop the test

Djokovic himself gave “9 News” the all-clear that the task was no more than a precautionary measure. “I didn’t want to risk it getting worse,” Djokovic said.

Djokovic should hope that the trip to Australia will not become a nightmare again this time.