Aussie tennis legend Paul McNamee: Novak Djokovic is a ‘person of principle’ for his anti-vax stance

Australian tennis legend Paul McNamee has backed Novak Djokovic to win a historic 10th men’s singles title at the Australian Open in January after proving he is “principled” about his anti-vax stance.

The Serbian ace will return to Melbourne in January, a year after he was deported from the country and banned from re-entry for three years after it was ruled he had the potential to stir up anti-vaccine sentiment.

Australian tennis legend Paul McNamee has endorsed Djokovic to win a historic 10th Australian Open title in January, calling him a “principled person” for his anti-vaccine stance.

The Serb ace will return to Melbourne in January, a year after he was deported from Australia and banned from re-entry for three years, in a decision that was later overturned.

The nine-time Australian Open champion’s decision not to get vaccinated during the pandemic not only cost him the No. 1 spot, but saw rival Rafael Nadal take the outright lead in the total number of Grand Slam titles won when he knocked out the male singles. crown in melbourne

Djokovic’s Australian visa ban was lifted by the federal government last month.

Former Australian Open tournament director Paul McNamee believes the Serb is the best player in the world and the deserved favorite to take the trophy.

‘He was the best player that came in [last summer] and, in form, he’s still the best player, especially on hard courts, so he deserves to be the favourite,’ McNamee said. Age.

Former Australian Open tournament director Paul McNamee (pictured with his wife Lesley) believes the Serb is the best player in the world and the favorite to win the trophy.

‘I think winning 10 sounds special. The only other man to have won 10 [at a grand slam event] it’s Rafa in France, so I think he’s going to put a lot of effort into getting a 10th Australian Open, especially after last year.

I hope you can get it. For me, he is a person of principles. Not everyone agrees with where you stand [on vaccination]but he keeps his word and missed two Grand Slams this year.

“That’s a lot to miss when you’re winning the most Grand Slams, so I respect that and hope it’s well received.”

McNamee believes Djokovic (pictured) is the best hard-court player in the world

McNamee, who was also a former doubles world number 1, praised the way Djokovic has conducted himself throughout the saga.

“People forget that he set up covid vaccination clinics in Serbia and that his own son is vaccinated,” he said.

“It’s just what he believes for himself, but it’s obviously not what the core beliefs are, and it’s pretty fair.” I am vaccinated and it is a personal choice.

‘I was very disappointed with the way it happened… that’s the way it is, isn’t it? But now it is in the past.

Djokovic (pictured after winning the Australian Open in 2021) is delighted to return to Melbourne and says he has no lasting hard feelings towards Australia.

“I think this is a great Australian Open to look forward to, and with the United Cup kicking off the season, I think we’re going to have a great summer.”

“Novak certainly adds sauce and gravitas to the whole thing.”

Djokovic is delighted to be back in Melbourne and says he has no lasting hard feelings towards Australia.

“I don’t hold grudges,” he said after the French Open.

Look, you know, it was what it was. If I get the chance to go back to Australia and play in a place where I had the most success of my Grand Slam career, I would love to come back.