
Nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic failed to defend the title in Melbourne this year. After a ten day drama, Novak lost the legal battle in court. The Australian government decided to cancel his visa and deport him, saying his presence could stir up anti-vaccination sentiments. Rafael Nadal and Daniil Medvedev jumped at the chance and advanced to the title match, making it a memorable one and battling it out for nearly five and a half hours. Speaking about the final, Novak said that he watched it with his family, not cheering for any of them and feeling sad that he didn't play that match. On the other hand, his son Stefan was on Nadal's side, cheering on the Spaniard and raising his fist like Rafa after every point he won. After all the drama, Stefan was able to witness Rafa lifting the 21 Major trophy after a 2-6, 6-7, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 victory in an epic duel. There was not much to celebrate for Novak's son in the opening two hours and 45 minutes, as Rafa did not play well in the first set and squandered the lead in set number two to find himself well behind. Still, the legend found a way to stave off three break points in the sixth game of the third set and get a boost from that. Nadal matched the opponent's pace from that moment and won the third set for the start of an epic comeback. Rafa won the fourth set and built a 5-3 lead in the decider, hoping to seal the deal on serve from him in game ten. Instead, Daniil recovered the break to extend the clash and his chances. Still, it wasn't going to be for the no. 2 in the world, as he broke in game 11 and allowed Nadal to seal the deal in the next one and start a grand celebration of one of the most notable wins of his career.
Nikola Pilic comments on DjokovicNikola Pilic believes Novak Djokovic is well within his rights to refuse vaccination even if it costs him a couple of Slams. "Novak has the right to have his own position. I am very sorry that such a situation came about that Novak, who has such a great career, finds himself in a situation where he does not play at Roland Garros and Wimbledon," Pilic said. "Novak is the greatest player of all time, but the Western press can hardly wait for him not to play in the biggest tournaments in the continuation of the season," he added. "I have a lot of experience in sports and I know the West and their media very well. Novak is a pebble in their shoes and they never gave him the support they gave to Federer and Nadal." Novak Djokovic's goal to take the lead in the Grand Slam race has taken a massive hit in recent weeks. "Novak has incredible tennis morale and terrible psychological potential, and he will be Novak Djokovic next year as well, without a doubt," Pilic said. "He has a specific character, a special spirit and incredible charisma and no one can influence him."
from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/EZD2xw3
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