Why aren't we talking about Novak Djokovic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been a tennis fan for decades. Djokovic is an incredible player. And his unionization efforts are interesting. But I am not a fan. There have been way too many instances of poor judgment and sportsmanship (see as just a few examples the Olympics, his pandemic exhibitions with no safety protocols, anger management issues resulting in the embarrassing US Open default). So historically he’s at best a mixed bag. But he’s dead wrong on this. He should have just gotten vaxxed and been done with it. Or been public about his basis for an exemption. He has a huge ego even for an athlete and acted like he knows better than the medical experts and didn’t need to follow the rules. It was stupid of him to expect to waltz into Australia without major blowback. Nadal’s response was spot on.

This. I’ve tried to give him the benefit of the doubt as a tennis fan but way too many instances of poor judgement. Gave up one whole slam and looking like a second because of poor choices. Ridiculous.

“Big fan” PP here and I can definitely understand and respect this view but it also doesn’t excuse what the Australian authorities have been doing. Now they’re hunting down other athletes who were also given an exemption and putting them into deportation facilities. What a joke.

PP here. I agree that the Australian government has mishandled this. There should have been better coordination among the tournament, state government, and the federal (or national or whatever it's called there) government. Djokovic never should have been given the exemption and allowed in the country to begin with. Djokovic shouldn't have posted on IG about it though and his parents need to stop whining about how he's being held prisoner in a hotel and that he needs better accommodations, etc. He's choosing to stay and appeal and it's not like they're going to switch him over to the Ritz Carlton or some resort and post security there to make sure he doesn't go out in public and possible spread the virus. It's all a shitshow but this is a PR disaster more for him than the Aussies. At this point, he should just go home. He's not going to be allowed to play and fighting this may cost him in the long run from a business and endorsement perspective. Again, big ego and poor judgment.

I disagree. The Australian government did not mishandle this. Tennis Australia did. They had no business granting him an exemption without clearing it with all levels of government and getting his visa approved before he traveled. Tennis Australia granted it to him only talking to the Melbourne (city) offices. But they knew that there were Victoria state policies and Australia national policies in place and they did not communicate with either the Victorian or Australian offices to confirm that the visa would be accepted for a medical exemption that they (TA) were granting in violation of state and national policy. That's absolutely ridiculous. Some stupid tennis official makes a decision because they desparately want the world #1 to play, despite the world #1 not meeting state and national medical criteria for international travel.

And Djokovic knew that there was an issue because he was refusing to get a vaccine. The Australian government and Djokovic are both going to look bad because some moron tennis official decided he could break the rules and somehow make things work. Sorry, no. Djokovic needs to just return home and skip the AO this year. It's not going to end up well for him. I expect that if he tries to hold out, he'll be watching the AO on the television in the quarantine hotel.

[Anonymous]

I honestly don’t think it’s ego, because if it were he wouldn’t have exposed himself like this. Rafa is right, Novak must have known some controversy was a possible or even probable, and people with big egos like to keep their image pristine. I think this is a matter of principle for him, and he is very stubborn, in addition to being susceptible to antivax bs. Anyone rational would just get vaccinated (unless he actually has myocarditis or some other serious condition but I’ve heard no claims to indicate that, other than being a celiac).

The Aussies are holding asylum seekers in a place where windows don’t open and some have been there for 9 years. Djokovic is going to be fine even if he retires in the next 10 seconds and has to swim home while infected with omicron (which he will surely get in this hotel, somehow I doubt they have hepa filters). But these people being denied entry or due process is the real story of failed humanity here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve been a tennis fan for decades. Djokovic is an incredible player. And his unionization efforts are interesting. But I am not a fan. There have been way too many instances of poor judgment and sportsmanship (see as just a few examples the Olympics, his pandemic exhibitions with no safety protocols, anger management issues resulting in the embarrassing US Open default). So historically he’s at best a mixed bag. But he’s dead wrong on this. He should have just gotten vaxxed and been done with it. Or been public about his basis for an exemption. He has a huge ego even for an athlete and acted like he knows better than the medical experts and didn’t need to follow the rules. It was stupid of him to expect to waltz into Australia without major blowback. Nadal’s response was spot on.

This. I’ve tried to give him the benefit of the doubt as a tennis fan but way too many instances of poor judgement. Gave up one whole slam and looking like a second because of poor choices. Ridiculous.

“Big fan” PP here and I can definitely understand and respect this view but it also doesn’t excuse what the Australian authorities have been doing. Now they’re hunting down other athletes who were also given an exemption and putting them into deportation facilities. What a joke.

PP here. I agree that the Australian government has mishandled this. There should have been better coordination among the tournament, state government, and the federal (or national or whatever it's called there) government. Djokovic never should have been given the exemption and allowed in the country to begin with. Djokovic shouldn't have posted on IG about it though and his parents need to stop whining about how he's being held prisoner in a hotel and that he needs better accommodations, etc. He's choosing to stay and appeal and it's not like they're going to switch him over to the Ritz Carlton or some resort and post security there to make sure he doesn't go out in public and possible spread the virus. It's all a shitshow but this is a PR disaster more for him than the Aussies. At this point, he should just go home. He's not going to be allowed to play and fighting this may cost him in the long run from a business and endorsement perspective. Again, big ego and poor judgment.

I disagree. The Australian government did not mishandle this. Tennis Australia did. They had no business granting him an exemption without clearing it with all levels of government and getting his visa approved before he traveled. Tennis Australia granted it to him only talking to the Melbourne (city) offices. But they knew that there were Victoria state policies and Australia national policies in place and they did not communicate with either the Victorian or Australian offices to confirm that the visa would be accepted for a medical exemption that they (TA) were granting in violation of state and national policy. That's absolutely ridiculous. Some stupid tennis official makes a decision because they desparately want the world #1 to play, despite the world #1 not meeting state and national medical criteria for international travel.

And Djokovic knew that there was an issue because he was refusing to get a vaccine. The Australian government and Djokovic are both going to look bad because some moron tennis official decided he could break the rules and somehow make things work. Sorry, no. Djokovic needs to just return home and skip the AO this year. It's not going to end up well for him. I expect that if he tries to hold out, he'll be watching the AO on the television in the quarantine hotel.

Agreed, but as far as he’s concerned he followed the rules: applied for a medical exemption and was granted one and applied for an Australian visa and was granted one. And he’s not the only player to have done so. He *is* the only player to have then been denied entry on landing, after the PM got involved (presumably after seeing the instagram post).

[Anonymous]

I'm a huge tennis fan and have followed tennis for decades. I also suspected him of doping. He was a nobody who pulled out of tournaments at the drop of a hat if he was losing. See the video with Andy Roddick making fun of this. He became superman out of the blue after announcing some relationship with a sketchy "doctor". He had a remarkable ability to recover from very strenuous matches almost over night. I always thought he and this doctor found some combo that helped his recovery that was not detectable in the tests. Everyone thinks about steroids but there are many other types of drugs that help with recovery etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm a huge tennis fan and have followed tennis for decades. I also suspected him of doping. He was a nobody who pulled out of tournaments at the drop of a hat if he was losing. See the video with Andy Roddick making fun of this. He became superman out of the blue after announcing some relationship with a sketchy "doctor". He had a remarkable ability to recover from very strenuous matches almost over night. I always thought he and this doctor found some combo that helped his recovery that was not detectable in the tests. Everyone thinks about steroids but there are many other types of drugs that help with recovery etc.

He was found to be a celiac and cut gluten out of his diet. Unfortunately up until then the medical community/mainstream doctors didn’t help him, so he credits cutting out of gluten and “all harmful substances” with his success. He’s a very strict vegan and healthy eating nut. That’s also why he opposed vaccines. He also became very religious around the same time. I can see how having such a transformative experience and then achieving such greatness can influence your thinking for life.

Also, come on, Feder and Rafa are basically at the same level and Rafa is still playing too. There have been incredible athletes throughout history. Not everyone is Lance Armstrong or Tiger Woods (cheaters).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I honestly don’t think it’s ego, because if it were he wouldn’t have exposed himself like this. Rafa is right, Novak must have known some controversy was a possible or even probable, and people with big egos like to keep their image pristine. I think this is a matter of principle for him, and he is very stubborn, in addition to being susceptible to antivax bs. Anyone rational would just get vaccinated (unless he actually has myocarditis or some other serious condition but I’ve heard no claims to indicate that, other than being a celiac).

The Aussies are holding asylum seekers in a place where windows don’t open and some have been there for 9 years. Djokovic is going to be fine even if he retires in the next 10 seconds and has to swim home while infected with omicron (which he will surely get in this hotel, somehow I doubt they have hepa filters). But these people being denied entry or due process is the real story of failed humanity here.

This is BS. I was among the first to get vaccinated, but despite this, I also had COVID (delta). I now have insanely high level of antibodies and I am not going to be getting boosters before that level drops significantly. There is nothing irrational or antivax about it. The problem is that the vax schedule keeps adding additional doses while completely disregarding individual circumstances (infections and also, immune response). Some people need more frequent vaccinations and some don't. Keep in mind that this is Djokovic's second infection that we know of. It's not at all obvious that he should be getting vaccinated right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I honestly don’t think it’s ego, because if it were he wouldn’t have exposed himself like this. Rafa is right, Novak must have known some controversy was a possible or even probable, and people with big egos like to keep their image pristine. I think this is a matter of principle for him, and he is very stubborn, in addition to being susceptible to antivax bs. Anyone rational would just get vaccinated (unless he actually has myocarditis or some other serious condition but I’ve heard no claims to indicate that, other than being a celiac).

The Aussies are holding asylum seekers in a place where windows don’t open and some have been there for 9 years. Djokovic is going to be fine even if he retires in the next 10 seconds and has to swim home while infected with omicron (which he will surely get in this hotel, somehow I doubt they have hepa filters). But these people being denied entry or due process is the real story of failed humanity here.

This is BS. I was among the first to get vaccinated, but despite this, I also had COVID (delta). I now have insanely high level of antibodies and I am not going to be getting boosters before that level drops significantly. There is nothing irrational or antivax about it. The problem is that the vax schedule keeps adding additional doses while completely disregarding individual circumstances (infections and also, immune response). Some people need more frequent vaccinations and some don't. Keep in mind that this is Djokovic's second infection that we know of. It's not at all obvious that he should be getting vaccinated right now.

He needs to abide by the rules or he walks. Thousands of players have followed the rule and the government is not gonna budge for this ego maniac

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I honestly don’t think it’s ego, because if it were he wouldn’t have exposed himself like this. Rafa is right, Novak must have known some controversy was a possible or even probable, and people with big egos like to keep their image pristine. I think this is a matter of principle for him, and he is very stubborn, in addition to being susceptible to antivax bs. Anyone rational would just get vaccinated (unless he actually has myocarditis or some other serious condition but I’ve heard no claims to indicate that, other than being a celiac).

The Aussies are holding asylum seekers in a place where windows don’t open and some have been there for 9 years. Djokovic is going to be fine even if he retires in the next 10 seconds and has to swim home while infected with omicron (which he will surely get in this hotel, somehow I doubt they have hepa filters). But these people being denied entry or due process is the real story of failed humanity here.

This is BS. I was among the first to get vaccinated, but despite this, I also had COVID (delta). I now have insanely high level of antibodies and I am not going to be getting boosters before that level drops significantly. There is nothing irrational or antivax about it. The problem is that the vax schedule keeps adding additional doses while completely disregarding individual circumstances (infections and also, immune response). Some people need more frequent vaccinations and some don't. Keep in mind that this is Djokovic's second infection that we know of. It's not at all obvious that he should be getting vaccinated right now.

He has to get vaccinated(2 shots) 14 days before entering Australia or quarantine for two weeks after arriving. That’s the rule. He is not vaccinated and arrived one week before the tournament. This was clearly communication to him. It will cost him lots of money. What a moron.

Oh and unless you are testing for antibodies every week you have no idea what your level is, if you are still contagious or if your antibodies are effective against varies strains. The science ie published peer reviewed studies- have shown people who got covid still need the vaccine and a booster. Just because you wish it was different does not make it so.

[Anonymous]

This is the most balanced discussion on the subject, includes Kyrgios who doesn't exactly like Djokovic:

https://twitter.com/noboundarieshow/status/1479752572269301761?s=21

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I honestly don’t think it’s ego, because if it were he wouldn’t have exposed himself like this. Rafa is right, Novak must have known some controversy was a possible or even probable, and people with big egos like to keep their image pristine. I think this is a matter of principle for him, and he is very stubborn, in addition to being susceptible to antivax bs. Anyone rational would just get vaccinated (unless he actually has myocarditis or some other serious condition but I’ve heard no claims to indicate that, other than being a celiac).

The Aussies are holding asylum seekers in a place where windows don’t open and some have been there for 9 years. Djokovic is going to be fine even if he retires in the next 10 seconds and has to swim home while infected with omicron (which he will surely get in this hotel, somehow I doubt they have hepa filters). But these people being denied entry or due process is the real story of failed humanity here.

This is BS. I was among the first to get vaccinated, but despite this, I also had COVID (delta). I now have insanely high level of antibodies and I am not going to be getting boosters before that level drops significantly. There is nothing irrational or antivax about it. The problem is that the vax schedule keeps adding additional doses while completely disregarding individual circumstances (infections and also, immune response). Some people need more frequent vaccinations and some don't. Keep in mind that this is Djokovic's second infection that we know of. It's not at all obvious that he should be getting vaccinated right now.

He needs to abide by the rules or he walks. Thousands of players have followed the rule and the government is not gonna budge for this ego maniac

He is abiding by the rules, that's the thing. Now a video surfaced where the Aus PM said he was fine to come in a day before he said he didn't! This is about Australian politics and Novaxx is collateral damage.

[Anonymous]

Wow

https://twitter.com/itisimrankhan/status/1479689521751113728?s=21

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is the most balanced discussion on the subject, includes Kyrgios who doesn't exactly like Djokovic:

https://twitter.com/noboundarieshow/status/1479752572269301761?s=21

You all need to learn how to use the Twitter tags.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is the most balanced discussion on the subject, includes Kyrgios who doesn't exactly like Djokovic:

https://twitter.com/noboundarieshow/status/1479752572269301761?s=21

Do you maybe want to sum it up? I don’t think too many people are going to listen to a 40 min podcast based on that throw-away comment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is the most balanced discussion on the subject, includes Kyrgios who doesn't exactly like Djokovic:

https://twitter.com/noboundarieshow/status/1479752572269301761?s=21

Do you maybe want to sum it up? I don’t think too many people are going to listen to a 40 min podcast based on that throw-away comment.

I honestly don't think I could do it justice but it comes from a place of compassion both for the Australian people and for an athlete/human being who wants to do his job, which is to play tennis. They also mention his donations to help with bush fires, which were not well publicized and they discuss Chardy's adverse effects from vaccination and the fact it seems it ended his career. They are all vaccinated and supportive of vaccine mandates but the bottom line is that there were two separate medical boards that set up the exemption system and Djokovic was granted an exemption as well as a visa. Finally they mention Novak's long standing public opinion that vaccines should not be mandatory for all. Just a civilized, nuanced discussion unlike the mud slinging in the media. Kyrgios in particular said a few times "this is a human being, and I'm feeling for him right now. All the social media posts and memes are really ugly."