Wimbledon defends after accusations of "punching" Djokovic

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Wimbledon responded to the accusations following their decision to marginalize Novak Djokovic and exclude him from key components of their promotional campaign, like the official poster.

"We are very proud to have Novak in our promotional video and for presenting him as one of the champions that other players should challenge," Wimbledon said per Sportskeeda.

However, Djokovic is framed as a "Champion to Beat" and is featured for a very short time in the promotional video. WTA player Andreea Prisacariu thinks this was another punch thrown at Djokovic. 

"It's fine, let them do whatever... I am tired of almost everyone punching Nole.

He is too big for them. This is the truth," Prisacariu wrote on Twitter.

You can watch the controversial Wimbledon video ad below.

"Creatively, the end scene of the promotional video features a couple of singles players that are presented as challengers, so neither Novak nor Jelena is featured at that moment," Wimbledon stated.

Here are some of the YouTube reactions to the promotional video from tennis enthusiasts around the world:

"I thought the British were all class, they are proving me wrong time and again. The disrespect for 7 times champion Nole is appalling." "I am so sad that Novak is no longer playing. I hope Federer wins this title in 2023 and beats Borg in the finals!" "Its the stuff like this and many more that I cheer for Djokovic even more. And he promptly delivers. 2019 is an everlasting wound to haters." "Where is Djokovic... this is basically a crime." "How shameful and what a disgrace for those who made this video and those who approved it. This video proves once again the disrespect and hatred towards Novak Djokovic. Your abuse and hatred is the food for Djokovic to be even better and break more records." Promoting Djokovic is a part of the overall strategy

Wimbledon's organizers specified that the controversial video is just a piece of their promotional strategy.

"As we near the tournament, including the period while it is held, Novak will be one of the highlights of our strategy. Likewise, we are sure that the fans were thrilled with our social media content that celebrated Novak's latest Grand Slam accomplishment, as well as the 'rewind' to his celebration with his family at Centre Court," Wimbledon stated.

Novak Djokovic and Elena Rybakina, the last year's Wimbledon conquerors, received limited space in the latest promotional campaign launched by the English grand slam. The two champions' names were not mentioned at all in the description of the campaign and they appeared for about 1 second in the promo trailer.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/JVcLYxB

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