Novak Djokovic, currently 37 years old, is one of the most successful tennis players in history. He is renowned for his extraordinary achievements, including winning the Australian Open nine times (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023). Off the court, Djokovic is married to Jelena Ristić, and they have two children, Stefan and Tara. His estimated net worth is around $220 million, reflecting his success in the sport and various endorsements.
Equal Pay Stance
Djokovic has attracted controversy for his stance on gender pay equality in tennis. He has expressed opposition to equal prize money for male and female players, a position that sparked significant backlash. Djokovic’s views on this issue have been a point of contention within the tennis community, with many advocating for equal compensation in the sport.
Umpire Incident
In February 2020, Djokovic faced scrutiny and a $20,000 fine for an incident involving a chair umpire during the Australian Open final. The controversy arose after Djokovic touched the umpire in a heated exchange, which is prohibited under tennis regulations. The rules are clear that any physical interaction with officials can lead to penalties, and Djokovic’s actions were widely criticized.
Disqualification Drama
Another major incident occurred during the 2020 U.S. Open when Djokovic was disqualified for accidentally striking a line judge with a ball. The incident happened during his fourth-round match against Pablo Carreño Busta. Djokovic had hit the ball in frustration after losing a game, not aiming at anyone, but it struck the line judge in the throat. The event led to his immediate disqualification from the tournament, which was a significant setback in his career.
Visa Controversy
One of the most controversial moments in Djokovic’s career came in January 2022 when his visa was canceled by Australian authorities ahead of the Australian Open. Djokovic had claimed a medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination, stating that he had recovered from a recent infection. However, the Australian Border Force found discrepancies in his visa application and medical exemption, leading to his detention and eventual deportation.
Legal Battle
Djokovic challenged the visa cancellation in court, and initially, he won the case, with Judge Anthony Kelly ordering his release from detention. The court’s decision was based on procedural fairness, noting that Djokovic had not been given adequate time to respond to the notice of visa cancellation. However, the legal battle didn’t end there.
Final Deportation
Despite the initial court ruling, Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke exercised his discretionary powers to cancel Djokovic’s visa again, citing public health and safety concerns. The decision was upheld by a Federal Court, leading to Djokovic’s deportation from Australia. This event not only impacted his participation in the Australian Open but also fueled global debate on vaccination and travel policies.
Legacy and Impact
Despite these controversies, Djokovic’s impact on tennis remains profound. His record-breaking achievements, including his numerous Grand Slam titles, have solidified his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Off the court, his outspoken views and actions have sparked debates on various social and health issues, making him a polarizing figure in the public eye.
Djokovic’s career continues to be a blend of exceptional athletic prowess and contentious public moments, reflecting the complexities of being a global sports icon in the modern era. His story underscores the challenges athletes face both on and off the court, navigating fame, personal beliefs, and the expectations of a global audience.
