5 Slams & world
#1
doubles, semis AO singles, coach SwHsieh 8 Slams, Tourn Dir AO (12 years) Hopman Cup & 3 ATP/WTAโs, author Gamechanger & Welcome to the Dance
Novak Djokovic, perhaps the foremost athlete on the planet, is here to defend his title. He was approved to fly here by Tennis Australia, the Vic Govt & the Prime Minister himself. He followed our rules. If deported, our reputation as a great sporting nation may never be the same
Hard to believe that after 50 years of friendship Macca is gone... you lived life to the full mate and will be missed by your loved ones and many more...a toast to the great times mate
Novak Djokovic has had his day in court, with all the evidence presented, and comprehensively won โฆ letโs respect the courtโs decision and move to the other court where sport is played
Good to see Novak Djokovic back on court in Australia..after all, he finished 2022 as the best player on the planet, arguably the most complete athlete in the world and, as a person, with a holistic approach and generosity of spirit which is often overlookedโฆ welcome back Novak
I (perhaps thankfully) have commitments the next few hours. This case will turn on whether Djokovic may increase anti-vaxx sentiment given his high profile. Thereโs a strong perception heโs an anti-vaxxer but, problem is, he is not. I trust the court to view it dispassionately ๐
So now Czech player Renata Voracova has been rounded up and detained like Novak. This is too much. It moved me to visit the Aussie Serbs outside the Park Hotel to present a Christmas gift. Iโm also disgusted
@MehdiAli98
about the refugees imprisoned there. I feel shame
Sir, you ask Djokovic to look in the mirror. If he must, heโll see a holistic person generous in spirit, aware of his shortcomings, and yet who cares about struggling lower ranked players like no other โgreatโ, and almost universally respected by his peers
Credit where itโs dueโฆ Novak Djokovic has been exemplary both on and off the courtโฆ gracious to players past and present, whilst playing other worldly tennis โฆ not much more one could do ๐
Novak Djokovic wins Rome without losing a set. Impressive. With all due respect to the โNext Oneโ Carlos Alcaraz, whoโs time will come, the favourite for Roland Garros must now be โThe Oneโ
Djokovic takes out Medvedev in straight sets. Physically brutal, tactically brilliant, as he moves to a commanding 24 Slams which no player in history, male or female, has surpassed. Nothing more needs to be said really
For the record, Iโve never seen Djokovic move that badly, or go for so many winners โฆ itโs a no brainer he was carrying an injury, but he was dedicated enough and good enough to overcome it. How? By being the best player right now by a good margin
People are saying he is getting special treatment, when in fact the opposite is true. Ironically, according to the matters before this court, itโs only because he IS high profile that he is facing deportation
Happy New Year โฆI remember when this guy, only a teenager, got up on stage at the New Yearโs Eve Ball and stole the showโฆ he did again tonight, on court, with yet another masterclass โฆ what a performer
For those asking, all players go through the same visa process overseen by Tennis Australia to play the Australian Open (as non Australians are currently not able to enter). So it beggars belief that Djokovic is the only player that has had his visa granted and then rescinded
So impressive by Prizmic, but Novak Djokovic very impressive tooโฆ heโs pretty relaxed as he caught up with Andre Agassi post matchโฆ two great Aussie open champs
Central argument for Minister appears to be that by him remaining, there is potential of inciting anti-vax sentiment, which is not in the public interest. Maybe not relevant, but Djokovic did set up player vaccination hubs at two tournaments, so they could be double vaccinated
After all Novak Djokovic has been through, including in my country, which would have broken many athletes, letโs give credit where credit is dueโฆ being
#1
turning 37 years of age is a remarkable achievement ๐
I believe he is far more likely to get a standing ovation IF he is allowed to walk out as defending championโฆ. by those who respect the game, and by those who see he was prepared to give up his place in history, no small thing, by standing by his principles
Sometimes, rarely, one point defines a tournamentโฆthis remarkable shot, which ended the point and effectively the match, may well be the oneโฆletโs see it again
Sadly, wherever I go, whether itโs at golf, tennis, wherever, I run into people bringing up Novak, who want me to join them โbaggingโ him. I tell them immediately โDonโt say a word against him in my presence, as heโs my friendโ I think, by the end, they respect his authenticity
Iโve been lucky enough to run 46 major sporting events around the world ... yes we had security but NEVER surveillance of spectators ... it is a gross invasion of privacy. Say NO to
@AFL
going down this slippery path
Novak Djokovic may or may not miss the calendar year Slam again by a single match. Remarkable. But letโs not forget that, like Serena and Martina (and Tiger), he has done the next best thingโฆholding all four Slams at the same time, which is arguably just as good
Of course, Nadalโs semi final opponent in original draw was a guy heโs lost to 9 times in a row on hardcourt, surprisingly without winning a single setโฆto be fair the draw change is not at all Rafaโs fault, but today is the day that change arguably made a huge difference
Respected international journalists are now calling it a โtemporaryโ Australian Open draw. Having once been the Tournament Director for 12 years, and knowing the enormous contributions by so many over the years, I have to say I donโt like our Grand Slam being subject to ridicule.
The man with the best one hand slice backhand in history, Ken Rosewall, presents the trophy to the man with the best two handed backhand in history, Novak Djokovic
Djokovic is variously described as divisive and insincere. Of course, thatโs from people who donโt know him. If you want the reality, ask the locker room. Thatโs where he is the MANโฆ highly respected and popular. So perhaps check with his peers?
My final word tonight on the Wimbledon finalโฆ the ball striking by Novak Djokovic in the last 3 sets was other worldlyโฆeven a player with the freakish talent of Nick Kyrgios could not stand up to it โฆ hence he called him โa bit of a godโ
I was criticised much today & asked why I often defend Djokovic. I donโt defend poor behaviour, including by Novak. But I tell you what I do defendโฆgrave injustice, whether to Julian Assange, Djokovic, Seles, or quality players living in povertyโฆif that bothers you, unfollow me
@PatrickMcEnroe
@MicheleSteele
Dear Patrick, Novak has not spent his life โchasing down Roger and Rafaโโฆ heโs just been himself, and continues to do so โฆ thatโs the part thatโs missed by so many who canโt, or do not want, to see it
2 sets to love Djokovic and play is suspendedโฆ I think one more set to give a chance for the match to be finished, well before midnight at that, would have been a far more sensible decisionโฆ I mean, seriously, curfew rules need to be revisited
Novak Djokovic wins his record equaling 6th ATP Finals. Congrats. Standing up for what he believes in, against the grain, he will arrive here aiming for a 10th Australian Open fresher, hungrier and, albeit 35 years of age, still widely considered the best. Remarkable
I picked our Aussie Nick Kyrgios to winโฆ I would have been happy to be right, but Iโm just as happy to be wrong. You deserve this one Novakโฆbravo bravo bravo for 7/21
For the record, if you look at the Cambridge Dictionary definition of ANTI-VAX โused to describe a person or group that does not agree with vaccinating people (= giving them injections to prevent disease)โ Djokovic set up vaccination clinics, so kind of doesnโt fit the definition
So the court will make a decision on the Djokovic case on Monday. Iโve had my say, so will now wait until a decision is madeโฆ in the meantime, I wish a sincere Happy Christmas to those celebrating it tomorrow, and hope everyone else has a good day too ๐
Djokovic comprehensively wins record 7th ATP Finals. You may ask how, with Sinner in career best form? Apologies if blunt but Djokovic, master tactician, when the pressure was on, targeted the Sinner forehand & today it failed him. They both know it & neither will forget. To 2024
Nick Kyrgios will play the final of Wimbledon. An exclamation mark on an incredible career with no script. Letโs not forget itโs been a long 19 year wait for an Aussie to play in the Menโs singles final. His tennis deserves this accolade. Go play Nick.
In traditional tennis news, seeds for Australian Open 2022 have been just announced by TA. Ash Barty & Novak Djokovic head the seeds, and in great news Alex de Minaur picks up a seed. This is the moment we can say that officially, our Grand Slam has begun.
This is the last thing I will say before the court rules. Iโm very uncomfortable that the
#1
player in the world boarded a plane having every reason to believe he could defend his title, only to be detained. But, as an Australian, I fully respect it is now for the court to decide
Djokovic really giving it to the crowd after taking them on, and silencing them, and Rublev again, in Paris. Two great semis sets up a Balkan final with Dimitrovโฆ what a competitor!
The Prime Minister of Australia
@AlboMP
ought be thanked for agreeing to overturn Novakโs three year border ban. Here he is yesterday serving it up on the grass courts at Kooyong โฆ a very handy player too!
Very simpleโฆNovak was hurt in Adelaide and obvious he was struggling here in the early roundsโฆ..soft tissue injuries can go two waysโฆ if worse, out of AO. So he goes for broke, avoiding long rallies, and seems it starts to get better, with no guarantees..oh what ball striking
Sorry Cam, but that rule has been in place ever since ATP Finals merged with Grand Slam Cup from 2000โฆโCameron Norrie: British No. 1 calls Novak Djokovic Nitto ATP Finals qualification 'a bit strange' via
@Eurosport_UK
The treatment that Djokovic is receiving by many in the Anglo Saxon media pre US Open reminds me so much of what
@MonicaSeles10s
had to deal with at Wimbledon 1992... hellbent on dragging him down.. .as they did Monica... shameful agenda
Massive win by Qiang Wang over Serena.... on the eve of Chinese New Year &, importantly, the tribute night for the late Peter McNamara, who coached Qiang until this event one year ago
Just a reminder โฆ the โreports Djokovic is seeking medical exemptionโ are a fantasy of the mediaโฆ no basis, no substance, and rampant victimisation of someone merely going about his businessโฆextraordinarily well by the way
A heartwarming title for Djokovic in Belgrade.... his loyalty to his country (and sacrifice) in playing the week before a Grand Slam was duly rewarded... I give him enormous credit for putting duty above self interest ... now get to Paris pronto
Iโd just like to thank everyone for the outpouring of sympathy after Maccaโs passing. Iโm sorry that we cannot reply to everyone. But be assured that it does mean an awful lot, especially to his children
#RIPMacca
I have no more to addโฆ our courts have made a final decision which is to be respected. I wish Novak some peace on his way back home to his loving family, and trust the tournament can proceed seamlessly now
@pmouratoglou
I commend your bravery and authenticity in saying this Patrick, which surely questions the lack of objectivity by certain commercial interests, and the mainstream narrative ๐
I know you not sir, but your prism is simply extraordinary. You are talking about a holistic athlete who is almost universally admired and respected by his peers. Perhaps look again with open eyes & an open heart ::
@christophclarey
Incredibly unselfish by Djokovic, given he is the one who had the most to lose โฆ I think itโs time he started getting credit for his integrity
@andyroddick
I got stopped by a police officer in the back blocks of Chinaโฆ all he wanted was a photo with meโฆ..heโd never met anyone looking like meโฆ white skin, grey hair ha.. all good
Oh Ben, remember Roger had a runway of 5 years before Novak won his 1st Slam, or Rafa won a major other than RGโฆso you canโt choose to hold that against Novak now ๐ Djokovicโs 23rd grand slam is a record โ but please donโt call him the GOAT | Ben Bramble
63 62 was a masterclass by Djokovic over Alcaraz, the second best player in the world. Ultimately though an anti climaxโฆ. but ATP have themselves to blame by laying such a quick surfaceโฆimo not a way to showcase the two best players
Leaving Paris after an amazing experienceโฆprivilege to be asked to coach Su wei Hsieh again in her comeback, where she won the doubles with Gina Wang, and witnessing Novak attain 23 .. unforgettable moments โฆ au revoir
@_markpetchey
@Wimbledon
Seriously? Youโre picking on the guy who had the most to lose, who would be accused of self interest, and who is being nobleโฆwhy not ask the guys who actually made the decision, being Rafa, Roger and the Player Councilโฆperhaps Petch?
The decision of Djokovic to go to Geneva was wise, and even more so in retrospect. Given the risk of being completely underdone going into Roland Garros, those three matches, with now three days off, were just what he neededโฆ fair play to Nole and his team
On my opinion Davis Cup should not have wildcards to the Finalsโฆ but if there must be one, the Host nation makes sense. But for GB to receive another one, I guess there needs to be a good explanation Iโm having trouble seeing. Is there?
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but THAT semi-final at Roland Garros, the one that changed history, is my match of the year โฆby a rather large margin
What an amazing Wimbledonโฆ Ash Barty warming our Aussie hearts, Novak Djokovic with an amazing sequel to Paris, and for me personally to help Su wei Hsieh win her third W title with three different partners .. until next time
What another great match between the Big Twoโฆ Djokovic & Alcarazโฆfrom clay to grass to hardcourt, from altitude in Madrid to the coolness of Wimbledon to the searing heat of Cincinnatiโฆ bring on the US Open, bring on Australia, and enjoy this while it lasts
Game, set and match Djokovicโฆ superlative returning, highly professional, fully deservedโฆ against a brave performance by Kyrgiosโฆ bravo both guys
After a decade working with Su wei Hsieh, and on the back of her successive Grand Slam titles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, we are parting company. Itโs been a heck of a ride, and weโre going out on top. May her amazing come back continue ๐
@racquetmagazine
Sir you misunderstandโฆ he didnโt enter, as players are automatically entered by the rules of the Tour into 1000โs like Montreal, so he needs to withdraw
Iโve met many champs. In terms of humanity and generosity of spirit, Novak is right up there. Wishing to bring joy, he underestimated this virus, & yes there are consequences. The vitriol is everywhere..sorry but think twice before condemning a man with a pure heart who screws up
Setting the scene for Djokovic v Bedene โฆ as the Parisian afternoon sun bursts through PS. unlike the reports Iโd heard, Nole received a rapturous pre match ovation
@miyukato1121
Madam, you are acting with empathy and grace, but I believe you have nothing to apologise for. I am sad that your opportunity to advance further has been taken away.
The Australianโs Rob Gotliebsen โโฆin the event the Government lost its case..they believe they have the power to ignore the decisions of our Federal Court-that is, they are above the law of Australia. I canโt think of another more damaging statement to be put on the world stageโ
If it was anyone else, youโd say how did that guy win that set? But itโs Djokovic, and against the run of play, he dug deep and found a way. Hats off
Pundits point out no difference being seeded 1 or 2. Technically, thatโs true. But ask any player if they like to see their name at the top of the draw? Due to the aberration of not awarding points last year, Djokovic will not head Wimbledon menโs draw. For me, not a good look.