Novak Djokovic admits this year brought some “peculiar” challenges and experiences but he is trying to remain positive and learn lessons from every experience life gives him. Djokovic, 35, was twice detained and ultimately deported from Australia after his visa was canceled for the second time.
In the rest of the season, Djokovic didn’t get himself in such situations but there were several tournaments where he wasn’t allowed to compete due to his vaccination status. Most recently, Djokovic missed the US Open and Masters events in Montreal and Cincinnati.
Throughout the entire season, Djokovic has been getting called out and receiving criticism for his vaccine stance, with some describing him as “anti-vax poster boy.” “It was a very interesting year, peculiar.
I always strive to draw positive things from whatever the experience is, that is part of my character and my approach to life. I know that everything that happened in Australia and afterwards – the way people have treated me, which did not feel nice and it is something I have never experienced before in my life – has helped me to learn some valuable lessons.
Lessons about myself, about life and about the way I should move on in this world, especially in the tennis ecosystem,” Djokovic told Sportal, per Tennis Majors.
Djokovic: Many masks have fallen
After Wimbledon, Djokovic’s wife Jelena defended her husband after he was described as “anti-vax poster boy” on Twitter.
The year has been very challenging for Djokovic but he has given his best to remain calm and take everything with grace. “Many masks have fallen, so to say – throughout this process, it was interesting for me to observe the way some people behaved towards me this year.
I keep going, motivated and inspired. I love this sport, I love giving it my all in every practice because every day is different, and there is always some sort of excitement, some sort of unknown, it is a challenge. The young guns are coming, they are hungry for success, so that is something that gives me extra motivation as well,” Djokovic added.
