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"I love you forever": Novak Djokovic celebrates 10 year anniversary

<p>Novak Djokovic has celebrated his 10-year wedding anniversary with Jelena Djokovic. </p> <p>The tennis star took to Instagram to share an adorable tribute honouring their anniversary, with a video of the couple dancing, singing and laughing together set to Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' <em>Islands In The Stream</em>. </p> <p>"Ten years of joy," Novak began in the caption. </p> <p>"Ten years as parents. Ten years as one. Ten years of dancing. Ten years of fun," he wrote.</p> <p>"Ten years of flying. Ten years at sea. Ten years of you. The best part of me."</p> <p>"Ten years of tennis. Ten years of balls. Ten years of triumph. Ten years of falls.</p> <p>"Ten years as teammates. Ten years together. Ten years Jelena. I love you forever."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9O8uaeoMZF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9O8uaeoMZF/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Novak Djokovic (@djokernole)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple first met in high school in the 90s but didn't start dating until a few years later, when Novak finally kicked off his professional tennis career. </p> <p>The high-school sweethearts tied the knot in a ceremony held at Aman Sveti Stefan resort almost a decade later in July 2014, and they were also expecting their first child at the time. </p> <p>The couple now share two children together, Stefan, nine, and Tara, Six. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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"You guys can't touch me": Djokovic slams Wimbledon crowd

<p>Novak Djokovic has launched into a staggering tirade after emerging from the Wimbledon courts victorious, after claiming the crowd was being "disrespectful" by booing him. </p> <p>The Serbian tennis champ accused the audience after his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Danish player Holger Rune, calling out the behaviour during his winning speech. </p> <p>“To all the fans that have had respect and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it,” he said.</p> <p>“And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a goooood night."</p> <p>“Goooood night, goooood night, have a good night,” he continued.</p> <p>The on-court interviewer suggested that the crowd was chanting “Rooooon” and was not in fact booing, but Djokovic was determined. </p> <p>“I’m hoping they were just commenting on Rune and they weren’t disrespecting you,” the courtside interviewer said, as Djokovic responded, “They were, they were, they were, they were.”</p> <p>“I am not accepting it. No, no, no. I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo."</p> <p>“Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years."</p> <p>“I know all the tricks. I focus on the respectful people that pay for the ticket, and love tennis and appreciate the players."</p> <p>“I have played in much more hostile environments, trust me ... you guys can’t touch me.”</p> <p>He then headed for the Centre Court exit to initial applause before further chants of "<em>Ruuuuuuune"</em> followed.</p> <p><em>Image credits: ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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“Say it to my face”: Novak Djokovic confronts Aus Open hecklers

<p dir="ltr">Novak Djokovic has confronted rowdy Australian Open audience members, saying the “tough guy” in the crowd “crossed the line” with his unsolicited commentary. </p> <p dir="ltr">The Serbian tennis player was on his way to a victory against Aussie player Alexei Popyrin when he got caught in a verbal altercation with a spectator. </p> <p dir="ltr">The frustrated defending grand slam champion was heard during the match yelling, "Come here and say it to my face" to a fan seated behind him at Rod Laver Arena.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Come here! Come here!" Djokovic could be heard yelling in response to the mouthy spectator. </p> <p dir="ltr">During his post-match press conference after the match win, the world No.1 elaborated on the clash with the spectator, telling the media he won't tolerate such behaviour from disrespectful audience members</p> <p dir="ltr">"I mean, you don't want to know [what he said]. There were a lot of things that were being told to me on the court, particularly from that corner, and the same side the other corner. I was tolerating it for most of the match," Djokovic said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"At one point I had enough, and I asked him whether he wants to come down and tell it to my face. Unfortunately for him, he didn't have the courage to come down.</p> <p dir="ltr">"That's what I was asking him. If you have courage, if you're such a tough man, tough guy, come down and tell it to my face, and let's have a discussion about it.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"He was apologising from far away. That's all it is."</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm not going to sit and say 'it's all good'. It's not good," he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Of course, it upsets me. I'm frustrated. I don't want to be experiencing that, but I have to accept it as it is.”</p> <p dir="ltr">"Sometimes I don't tolerate when somebody crosses the line. That's it."</p> <p dir="ltr">The veteran player declared he would continue to "confront" patrons who attempted to throw him off his game, saying, "I was feeling a lot of mixed emotions today on the court. Not a great atmosphere to play in to be honest for me."</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

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Djokovic hit with record fine after Wimbledon loss

<p>Novak Djokovic has been fined a whopping £6,100 ($11,700) for smashing his racquet in frustration against the net post during the men's singles final at Wimbledon.</p> <p>The Serbian player, who suffered a five-set defeat against Carlos Alcaraz, marking his first loss on Centre Court in a decade, was penalised for "racquet abuse" when he was crucially broken in the deciding set.</p> <p>Acknowledging the fine, the world No. 2, who earned $2.3 million as the runner-up, stated, “It was frustration in the moment. He played amazing to break my serve, which was enough to win the fifth set.”</p> <p>The final match garnered a peak audience of 11.3 million viewers on the BBC, representing the highest viewership since Andy Murray's victory in 2016, which attracted 13.3 million viewers.</p> <p>The incident where Djokovic smashed his racquet was not the only time he tested the umpire's patience during the tense final.</p> <p>A fortunate spectator managed to acquire the now iconic broken racquet after the match.</p> <p>Furthermore, Djokovic received a time violation for exceeding the allotted time during his serve in the second set. As a result, the umpire issued a warning for his behaviour.</p> <p>Although never a crowd favourite at SW19, Djokovic faced boos from the Wimbledon audience due to his outburst that resulted in the destruction of his racquet.</p> <p>The £6,100 fine imposed on Djokovic stands as the highest individual fine given during this year's tournament, setting a record in 2023.</p> <p>Similarly, Mirra Andreeva also incurred two fines totalling £6,100 during the tournament.</p> <p>The 16-year-old Russian player struggled to control her temper throughout the event and was observed angrily striking herself during the early rounds.</p> <p>She was eliminated in the round of 16 after unintentionally handing a match point to Maddison Keys.</p> <p>Keys was awarded the point when Andreeva was deemed to have thrown her racquet to the ground after slipping, as confirmed by the umpire.</p> <p>This incident marked the second time Andreeva had been involved in a racquet-related episode, as she had received a warning earlier in the match for tossing her racquet across the grass.</p> <p>After her defeat to Keys, Andreeva declined to shake hands with the umpire.</p> <p>For her conduct in the round of 16, she received two fines of A$5,860 each.</p> <p><em>Image: YouTube</em></p>

Money & Banking

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New flag furore erupts as Djokovic crushes Aus Open final

<p>Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open in convincing fashion to equal Rafael Nadal's Grand Slam record, a year after he was deported over his COVID vaccination status.</p> <p>The Serbian star defeated Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas in three sets in the final in Melbourne on Sunday, making it Djokovic's 10th Australian Open title – equal to Nadal's Grand Slam record of 22 men's singles titles.</p> <p>However, during the broadcast an eagle-eyed viewer couldn’t help but single out the disturbing appearance of a flag bearing a controversial far-right symbol, waved by a Djokovic supporter.</p> <p>“Why am I seeing a Chetnik flag amongst the Serbian crowd at the Tsitsipas vs Djokovic match?” wrote Twitter user Sophie Mak. “Are ultra fascist symbols allowed in the Australian Open now?”</p> <p>The Chetniks were paramilitary ultranationalists who committed war crimes during WWII. Respected tennis journo Ben Rothenberg then responded by calling for future Australian Opens to be completely flag free if security cannot control such incidents.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I really think they need to make the 2024 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> a flag-free zone if their security repeatedly can't figure this stuff out. </p> <p>Tournament security has been pretty abysmal (though we haven't had the ~annual court invader during the men's final yet). <a href="https://t.co/Mztq6NstPg">https://t.co/Mztq6NstPg</a></p> <p>— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1619649716932988929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>“Tournament security has been pretty abysmal (though we haven’t had the ~annual court invader during the men’s final yet),” added Rothenberg.</p> <p>Tennis Australia were moved to introduce a complete ban on Russian and Belarusian flags earlier in the Australian Open after a Belarusian flag was spotted being waved during a Ukrainian’s match. </p> <p>Djokovic’s father Srbjan was then caught up in a controversy when he inadvertently posed alongside pro-Vladimir Putin protesters outside the stadium who were holding up a flag with the Russian leader’s face on it. Srbjan then elected not to attend the semi-final nor the final of the tournament in which his son was victorious for a record tenth time.</p> <p><em>Images: Twitter</em></p>

News

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"He wants to get in my head": Djokovic takes stand against rowdy fans

<p>Novak Djokovic has spoken out against tennis officials for how they reacted when a group of fans disrupted play at the Australian Open.</p> <p>The Serbian tennis player, ranked world number one, was up against World Number 191 Enzo Enzo Couacaud when he was forced to take his fight from the court to the stands. </p> <p>A group of four young men dressed in <em>Where’s Waldo </em>costumes were responsible for the chaos, and poked at the tennis star’s patience until the fourth set, when Djokovic had had enough. </p> <p>“He’s been provoking all night, the entire night, the entire night,” Djokovic said to the chair umpire, “what are you going to do about it?”</p> <p>The problems began when the group saw fit to shout and taunt during Djokovic’s serves, with their drunken antics leading him to suspect they intended to throw off his game. </p> <p>“The guy's drunk out of his mind, from the first point he's been provoking me,” he told the umpire, gesturing to the trouble in the crowd, “he's not here to watch tennis. He just wants to get in my head.</p> <p>“So I’m asking you, what are you going to do about it? You’ve heard him at least 10 times — I’ve heard him 50 times. What are you going to do about it?”</p> <p>Djokovic called for the expulsion of the disruptive fans, asking officials, “why don’t you get security guards and get him out of the stadium?”</p> <p>A security guard was reportedly sent to speak with the men, and sat in the row before them.</p> <p>The week before, the organisers of the Australian Open stated that anyone who was found to be taunting Djokovic without reason, and disrupting the enjoyment of everyone else, would be removed from the venues. </p> <p>The measure was likely put in place as Djokovic, like Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios, is frequently the subject of heckling from audiences at these events. </p> <p>Despite the security guard’s presence, the interruptions were ongoing, and eventually the men were escorted from the game - but it may have proven too little too late for the Serbian player. </p> <p>In a press conference about the event, Djokovic told reporters, “it’s just unnecessary because why should we as players be put in a position where we have to always react when it‘s been two hours. It’s not been 10 minutes. This is what I mind, and this is why I felt the need to go out there because I had enough, you know?</p> <p>“I can tolerate five, six times somebody telling me something, but there is a limit. That limit was crossed, and I stepped in and I asked the chair umpire, is he going to do something about it or not? He did, and I thanked him.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty Images</em></p>

News

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Novak Djokovic kicks his brother out of tennis arena during epic showdown

<p>Novak Djokovic has ordered his brother out of the player's box in the middle of match at the the Adelaide International final.</p> <p>The Serbian star was having a less than desirable game on Sunday, after losing his first set to No.33 Sebastian Korda, from the USA, when he became visibly frustrated and pointed towards the corporate box.</p> <p>His brother Marko and another person then exited the area before Djokovic fought his way back on the court and managed to win the epic three-set thriller.</p> <p>Sports commentator Roger Rasheed claimed the sports star appeared angry, but determined to win the showdown.</p> <p>"He pointed to his box and two out of five members are no longer sitting there," he said.</p> <p>"It's probably living proof that he wants to win badly, in this final. He's got his game face on, mixed with a bit of anger at the moment."</p> <p>Speaking during an on-court interview after prevailing triumphant in a match that lasted three hours, the 21-time Grand Slam champion admitted it had not been an easy night.</p> <p>"I'd like to thank my team for handling me, tolerating me in the good and bad times."</p> <p>"Today, I'm sure they didn't have such a blast with me going back and forth with them, but I appreciate them being here."</p> <p>"My brother Marko is also here, I don't see him that much so I appreciate you coming here, love you. It's been an amazing week and you guys made it even more special for me."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Novak Djokovic holds no grudge against Australia

<p>Novak Djokovic says he still has plenty of love and admiration for Australia, despite being deported due to the vaccine mandates.</p> <p>Djokovic says he received the reception he wished for in his triumphant return to singles action in Australia.</p> <p>Djokovic booked a spot in the second round of the Adelaide International 1 with a thumping 6-3 6-2 win over Frenchman Constant Lestienne on Tuesday.</p> <p>It was his first singles match in Australia since being deported in January 2022 for refusing to have the COVID-19 vaccine.</p> <p>The 21-time grand slam champion received a rousing reception when he stepped out on court on Tuesday, and he didn’t disappoint his adoring fans.</p> <p>Djokovic’s power, court speed, and deft work at the net proved too much to handle for Lestienne, with the match lasting just 74 minutes.</p> <p>The world No.5, who lost his low-key doubles match on Monday, repeatedly touched his heart before signalling to the crowd and the sky upon winning his singles match.</p> <p>He also kissed his hand and touched the court, later saying he was delighted to be back in the country where he’s won nine of his 21 grand slam trophies.</p> <p>“I’m glad to be back in Australia,” Djokovic said in his post-match on-court interview.</p> <p>“Thank you all for coming out today. Thank you for giving me the welcome that I could only wish for.</p> <p>“Over the years, Australia has been the place where I’ve played my best tennis, without a doubt.</p> <p>“If I have to pick one country where I’ve had the most success, which treated me in the best way in terms of tennis, it’s here, definitely.</p> <p>“Even the circumstances last year, it wasn’t easy for anybody. But I’m just happy to be here focusing on tennis, and enjoying my time with you guys.”</p> <p>The result sets up a round of 16 clash with Frenchman Quentin Halys, who defeated Australian Jordan Thompson in straight sets on Monday. Djokovic lost only five points on serve during the opening set, but did have to save a break point in the fifth game.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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“I want to go back”: Novak Djokovic weighs in on Australian visa outcome

<p dir="ltr">Novak Djokovic has said he was “very happy” to find out that he will be allowed to compete at the Australian Open next year, after he was granted a visa that lets him return to the country.</p> <p dir="ltr">The World No.1 was barred from entering Australia until 2025 after being at the centre of a major international drama ahead of this year’s Australian Open, which saw him being held in a detention centre for attempting to enter the country without being vaccinated.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, Djokovic will now be able to go for his record-extending 10th Australian Open title after receiving the visa and has said he couldn’t have received “better news”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s a relief, obviously, knowing what I and people closest to me in my life have been through this year with what happened in Australia and post-Australia obviously,” he said after defeating Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals in Turin.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I could not receive better news for sure — during this tournament as well. [The] Australian Open has been my most successful grand slam. I made some of the best memories there.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Of course, I want to go back there, I want to play tennis, do what I do best, hopefully have a great Australian summer.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I'm always thankful to go through experiences, no matter what the experiences are. I try to be optimistic and positive in life.</p> <p dir="ltr">"I look forward to starting the new year in Australia, and we'll see how the next year goes."</p> <p dir="ltr">Having received the news before the match, where Djokovic beat Rublev 6-4, 6-1 to qualify for the semi-finals, the 35-year-old reckons the good news helped him perform on court.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Did it affect my game today? I would like to believe it did,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Why not? I don't think it did affect me too much because I'm familiar with what I need to do in order to prepare myself for every match.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Of course, knowing that I have clarity now, what I do in the off-season, starting the season in Australia, also of course it did relieve some of the pressure me and my team felt. Just giving that clarity makes it great for us."</p> <p dir="ltr">After missing out on this year’s competition, the Serbian athlete’s future in Australia has looked like a possibility since the government ended rules requiring overseas visitors to declare their Covid vaccination status in July.</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier this week, Djokovic commented that he had received positive signs about the ban being overturned and his potential return.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-22a4009e-7fff-0279-d152-f1bb40eb3082"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Novak Djokovic refused entry to America ahead of the US Open

<p>Novak Djokovic has confirmed he won't be competing in the US Open after he has been refused entry to America over his vaccination status. </p> <p>The Serbian tennis champ announced the news on Twitter, and wished his fellow players luck in the competition.</p> <p>"Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,' Djokovic tweeted Thursday ahead of the US Open draw.</p> <p>"Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support. Good luck to my fellow players! I'll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!"</p> <p>The three-time US Open winner had hoped to enter the tournament, provided the US government changed its policy for unvaccinated visitors.</p> <p>The US Tennis Association previously said it would adhere to such a change by allowing Djokovic to play if he were permitted in the US. </p> <p>After beating Nick Kyrgios in the Wimbledon final on July 10, Djokovic said he "would love" to participate in the last Grand Slam tournament of the year at Flushing Meadows, but he also acknowledged, "I'm not planning to get vaccinated."</p> <p>Djokovic had been updating his followers on social media as he attempted to gain entry to the US, but his hopes were dashed ahead of the draw.</p> <p>Officials did stress that he will be welcome to play at the US Open in 2023. </p> <p>"Novak is a great champion and it is very unfortunate that he will be unable to compete at the 2022 US Open, as he is unable to enter the country due to the federal government's vaccination policy for non-US citizens," tournament director Stacey Allaster said in a statement. </p> <p>"We look forward to welcoming Novak back at the 2023 US Open."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Prince George's huge Wimbledon moment captured

<p>Prince George has had the honour of holding one of the most coveted prizes in tennis after watching Novak Djokovic defeat Nick Kyrgios in the men's singles grand final at Wimbledon.</p> <p>Tennis legend Djokovic was seen shaking hands with Prince William and his son, aged 8, after his name was added to the honours board in the All England Club for the seventh time.</p> <p>As George smiled and gave the tennis champ a thumbs up, Djokovic passed him the trophy to hold.</p> <p>However, after the Duchess of Cambridge pointed to the famous pineapple atop the trophy and George had had a chance to look at all the winners' names engraved on the cup, the young prince declared it was "a bit heavy" and passed it on to his mother.</p> <p>It comes after he appeared in the royal box alongside parents William and Kate to watch the action unfold. The young prince was spotted arriving at the club earlier in the day before being led inside by his mother.</p> <p>It was Kate's third appearance at the tournament, as she and Prince William arrived with George to watch the grand final.</p> <p>Watching from the front row between his parents, the young prince was enthralled by the performance put on by the two tennis aces.</p> <p>It was a big day for George, who is known to be a big tennis fan just like his mother. </p> <p><em>Images: BBC / Wimbledon</em></p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"> </p>

Family & Pets

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"Beyond ridiculous": Kyrgios slammed for finals fireworks

<p dir="ltr">Nick Kyrgios has come under fire for his behaviour during the nerve wrecking Wimbledon final against Novak Djokovic, which Aussie tennis great Rennae Stubbs described as “embarrassing”.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-68f4af5f-7fff-0d78-153e-88d23698bb00"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">After winning the first set, Kyrgios was on the backfoot during the second and third, with Djokovic winning 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 and claiming the title for the seventh time.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="und">😘🏆2️⃣1️⃣🙏🏼 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wimbledon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wimbledon</a> <a href="https://t.co/Zo8PAScQzJ">pic.twitter.com/Zo8PAScQzJ</a></p> <p>— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) <a href="https://twitter.com/DjokerNole/status/1546210030130692102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">As his odds of winning began to decline, Kyrgios directed his frustrations at the player box where his girlfriend, dad, sister and trainers were sitting.</p> <p dir="ltr">When he dropped the serve for the first time during the second set of the fourth game, Kyrgios began questioning why he was having to ask his player box to support him.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Say something,” he yelled in their direction later in the set. “You said nothing that whole point.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Why do you stop? 40-0, 40-15 and you just relax! Why?”</p> <p dir="ltr">His supporters weren’t the only subjects of his furore either, after Kyrgios was slapped with a code violation for complaining to the chair umpire about fans distracting him while on serve, including a drunk audience member he asked the umpire to kick out.</p> <p dir="ltr">“They’re distracting me when I’m serving in a Wimbledon final, she’s drunk out of her mind,” he said while closing out his service game.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Why is she still here? She’s drunk out of her mind in the first row, speaking to me in the middle of a game. What’s acceptable? Nothing is acceptable? So kick her out!</p> <p dir="ltr">“I know exactly which one it is, it’s the one that looks like she’s had 700 drinks bro.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0bc04b34-7fff-3939-0bc1-eeedd2426429"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">No-one was ejected from the court, but plenty had something to say about Kyrgios’ behaviour, including Stubbs.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Honestly, this behavior of yelling at your box because they aren't doing what u want, is actually beyond ridiculous. THEY CANT READ YOUR MIND! Yes this is his way of dealing with pressure, I get it but this is straight up constant abuse to people that love you, its embarrassing</p> <p>— Rennae Stubbs OLY (@rennaestubbs) <a href="https://twitter.com/rennaestubbs/status/1546150155023486980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Honestly, this behaviour of yelling at your box because they aren’t doing what u want, is actually beyond ridiculous,” she tweeted. </p> <p dir="ltr">“THEY CAN’T READ YOUR MIND! Yes this is his way of dealing with pressure, I get it but this is straight up constant abuse to people that love you, it’s embarrassing.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Sports journalist Andy Maher wrote: “You’d have to be a sucker for punishment to accept an invitation to sit in Kyrgios’ box.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-e478369b-7fff-59e6-8f07-3a7aafe125f1"></span></p> <p dir="ltr">“If Nick Kyrgios offered you a spot in his player’s box you’d have to say ‘no’. All that stress and abuse; worst seat in the house,” journalist Bruce Guthrie said.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">If Nick Kyrgios offered you a spot in his player’s box you’d have to say ‘no’. All that stress and abuse; worst seat in the house. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WimbledonFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WimbledonFinal</a></p> <p>— Bruce Guthrie (@brucerguthrie) <a href="https://twitter.com/brucerguthrie/status/1546138584708575233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“Kyrgios’ players box has the toughest job in sports,” American basketball player Nate Wolters added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Kyrgios has acknowledged how supportive his team has been throughout the tournament and that they put up with a lot from him during matches.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I’ve got an incredible support crew,” he said after the fourth round. “My physio is one of my best friends. My best friend is my agent. I’ve got the best girlfriend in the world. I’ve just got so many people around me, they just support me.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I feel like I can reflect on all those dark times when I pushed them all away. Now to sit here, quarterfinals of Wimbledon, feeling good, feeling composed, feeling mature, having that around me, I’m extremely blessed. I feel like I’m just comfortable in my skin.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Following his defeat, he described Djokovic as “a bit of a god”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I want to congratulate Novak,” Kyrgios said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To all the ball kids and umpires, I know we have tough relationships, thanks for putting up with it.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3a268d43-7fff-7e7b-8674-085c2baa2460"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

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Djokovic allowed to play Wimbledon despite remaining unvaxxed

<p>Novak Djokovic will be allowed to defend his title at Wimbledon despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19.</p> <p>All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton gave Djokovic the all clear on Tuesday, as vaccinations are not required to enter Britain.</p> <p>World No.1 Djokovic, missed the Australian Open in January after being deported because he was not vaccinated against Covid-19.</p> <p>During the annual spring briefing ahead of Wimbledon, which starts on June the 27th, Bolton said “whilst, of course, it is encouraged [that all players get vaccinated], it will not be a condition of entry to compete” this year.</p> <p>The 34-year-old, in addition to being unable to defend his championship at Melbourne Park after an 11-day legal saga over whether he could remain in Australia, had to sit out tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami because he couldn’t travel to the United States as a foreigner who is unvaccinated.</p> <p>The US Tennis Association has said it will follow whatever governmental rules are in place regarding COVID-19 vaccination status when the US Open is held starting in late August.</p> <p>Djokovic has said he got COVID-19 twice, once in 2020 and again in 2021. The tennis legend is tied at 20 with Roger Federer for the second-most grand slams for a man. They trail Rafael Nadal, who won his 21st at the Australian Open.</p> <p>After what happened in Australia, Djokovic said he would be willing to sit out other grand slam tournaments if getting vaccinated was a requirement to compete.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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"Price I'm willing to pay": Novak breaks silence

<p>Novak Djokovic has broken his silence on being kicked out of Australia last month over his anti-vaccination status.</p><p>The famous men's tennis player had refused to publicly reveal his COVID-19 vaccination status until recently.</p><p>He confirmed in a tell-all interview with BBC he is not vaccinated against the virus which has brought the world to its knees over the past two years. However, he doesn’t consider himself to be an anti-vaxxer.</p><p>"I was never against vaccination," he told the BBC.</p><p>"But I've always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.”</p><p>"The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can."</p><p>Djokovic was originally granted an exemption to enter Australia despite not being vaccinated, which the Victorian government and Tennis Australia had said was mandatory to play the Open in January.</p><p>But the federal government stepped in and sensationally cancelled his visa, before locking him up in hotel quarantine in Melbourne and then deporting him after a failed appeals hearing.</p><p>Djokovic was kicked out of the country and Rafael Nadal won the Open, pushing ahead of Djokovic and Roger Federer to set a new record for grand slams won.</p><p>Djokovic hasn't spoken publicly about the saga until now, saying he was “really sad and disappointed with the way it all ended for me in Australia," he said.</p><p>"It wasn't easy."</p><p>His vaccination status has already cost him one major tournament, and now the French Open has said it will also blacklist Djokovic unless he gets vaccinated.</p><p>But the world No.1 is prepared to miss grand slams to hold fast in his beliefs.</p><p>"Yes, that is the price that I'm willing to pay," Djokovic said.</p><p><em>Image: Getty </em></p>

Caring

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Australia's hefty legal bill in Novak saga revealed

<p>During a Senate hearing on Monday night, the cost of Australia's legal proceedings against tennis champ Novak Djokovic were revealed. </p><p>The Department of Home Affairs reportedly had to pay an estimated $360,000 over the weeks long saga, but this is not the official final figure of money spent. </p><p>This hefty sum doesn’t take into account the division of legal costs that were awarded in both court stoushes that took place.</p><p>The Department of Home Affairs was ordered to pay the legal costs for the first Federal Court matter in which Novak first had his visa cancelled. </p><p>But Djokovic was ordered to pay the costs in his subsequent failed bid to overturn Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision to send the Serbian tennis champ packing for being unvaccinated.</p><p>“Hopefully they’ll net out to zero,” Home Affairs secretary Michael Pezzullo said during the hearing.</p><p>The department’s legal group manager Pip De Veau said that the fees had yet to be paid, but it was estimated to be $360,000, not taking into account these cost orders.</p><p>“The combined estimate at this stage was in the vicinity of $360,000 without any awards going either way,” she said.</p><p>“Costs were awarded against the department in the first proceedings, costs were awarded for the department in the second."</p><p>“We’ll need to get the invoices and make the determination in consultation with Mr Djokovic’s lawyers as to how those two cost orders are sorted out.”</p><p>Novak Djokovic was deported before the Australian Open, stopping him from competing. </p><p>“I will respect the court’s ruling and I will co-operate with the ­relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country,” Djokovic said at the time.</p><p>“I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can now focus on the game and the tournament I love.”</p><p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Djokovic enters vaxxed-only event

<p>Tennis champion Novak Djokovic has entered into next month's Indian Wells ATP event in California, just weeks after he was prevented from competing in the Australian Open. </p><p>Organisers for the ATP event announced the player entry list on Thursday, and said proof of full vaccination will be required to enter the grounds for the event that runs from March 7th to March 20th. </p><p>Many tennis fans have taken Novak's registration in the event as a sign the Serbian star has finally received his Covid-19 vaccinations. </p><p>Organisers at Indian Wells released a statement saying vaccines will be required for the event, but also said player protocols for Djokovic and other men’s players will be decided by the ATP in line with US restrictions.</p><p>“With health and safety as the tournament’s top priority, the BNP Paribas Open will require valid proof of full vaccination to enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden for the tournament,” a statement said.</p><p>“The guidelines for the players are governed by the protocols established by their respective governing bodies, the WTA and ATP, as well as any restrictions established by the United States of America in regard to the vaccination status of international travellers entering the country.”</p><p>Novak was set to compete for his fourth consecutive Australian Open title in January, before being turned away at the border for his invalid visa and vaccination passport. </p><p>Spain’s Rafael Nadal, who is also on the Indian Wells entry list, won the Australian Open to set the record with his 21st career slam singles crown.</p><p>Last week, author of Novak's biography <em>A Lifetime At War</em>, suggested that seeing Nadal take out the Australian Open win may have been a motivating factor for the Serbian to get vaccinated. </p><p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Djokovic addresses visa furore with Serbian president

<p dir="ltr">Two weeks after he was forced to leave the country, Novak Djokovic has shared his story with the public for the first time.</p><p dir="ltr">The tennis champion met with Serbia’s President Aleksander Vučić at a press conference on Thursday night, describing the “unfortunate events in Australia” which “was at least unexpected, as it happened”, he said, smiling.</p><p dir="ltr">Since his deportation, Djokovic has been spending his time in Belgrade and Montenegro.</p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-3c5348da-7fff-dd8d-28a0-bebbe56c610c"></span></p><p dir="ltr">“This is the first time I go public,” he <a href="https://www.news.com.au/sport/tennis/novak-djokovic-promises-to-give-his-version-of-events-after-australia-drama/news-story/bd983956812f4f750788974b2b532ca9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a>.</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">Feb 3, 2022 Presidental Palace, Belgrade 🇷🇸<br /><br />Novak Djokovic: "President, I would like to thank you and the state of Serbia both for support during the unfortunate events in Australia and for standing by my side." <a href="https://twitter.com/pavyg?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@pavyg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TennisPuneet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TennisPuneet</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/NovakFanClub?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NovakFanClub</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CraigKellyMP?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CraigKellyMP</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DMDent?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DMDent</a> <br />1/2 <a href="https://t.co/tk0ocNeFzF">pic.twitter.com/tk0ocNeFzF</a></p>— Zvezda je život (@FkczBelgrade) <a href="https://twitter.com/FkczBelgrade/status/1489177087898714113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 3, 2022</a></blockquote><p dir="ltr">He thanked the President for his support, as well as the Serbian people after “these circumstances that found me in Australia”.</p><p dir="ltr">Djokovic said their support has shown “that this connection will be like that forever”.</p><p dir="ltr">Though he has promised to share his story “in more detail”, he did share part of it was President Vučić.</p><p dir="ltr">“I wanted to see you first of all because as a citizen of Serbia I felt a great need to thank you for the great support you gave me as President of Serbia,” he said.</p><p dir="ltr">“Although I was alone in detention in Australia and faced many problems and challenges, I did not feel lonely.</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-395ae6cf-7fff-0e7e-13fb-55b76bcb51db"></span></p><p dir="ltr">“You stood up and stood behind me and put yourself in a compromised political position, within the framework of international relations, and that is why I am extremely grateful. I will remember that.”</p><p dir="ltr"><img src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/2022/02/djokovic-vucic.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" /></p><p dir="ltr"><em style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff">Djokovic appeared alongside the President of Serbia to share his side of the story. Image: Andrej Isakovic/</em><em style="margin: 0px;padding: 0px;border: 0px;font-size: 16px;vertical-align: baseline;color: #323338;font-family: Roboto, Arial;background-color: #ffffff">AFP via Getty Images</em></p><p dir="ltr">President Vučić praised Djokovid for “glorifying our country”, though he admitted he initially urged the tennis star to leave the country when he first received the news of his detention.</p><p dir="ltr">“And then I saw how persistent he is, how much he wanted to play, to fight on the sports field, to show on the sports field how much he is ready to fight not only for himself, but his country and show that he is better than others,” Vučić explained.</p><p dir="ltr">Djokovic’s arrival in Australia sparked intense backlash after it emerged that he was eligible for a medical exemption to enter the country while unvaccinated and was then detained upon arrival in Melbourne.</p><p dir="ltr">After spending time in hotel detention - prompting protests for his freedom - Djokovic was finally deported after the Federal Court upheld Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision to cancel his visa.</p><p dir="ltr">“For media representatives, I would like to add that since I did not advertise in public about the Australian events, this is the first time I go public,” he said on Thursday night.</p><p dir="ltr">He urged people to “please be patient”, and that he would address the situation “in more detail with my version of the story to everything that happened in Australia” within the next seven to ten days.</p><p dir="ltr">President Vučić had nothing but praise for Djokovic, telling the media that “someone special and bigger than all of us is here today”.</p><p dir="ltr">“Thank you for representing our country with honour, courage and in the best way, and for doing so in the future. Thank you for the great fight you fought in Australia,” Vučić said.</p><p dir="ltr">A statement from the President’s office said “that the ladies were specially groomed, and all this shows that someone special and much bigger came”.</p><p dir="ltr">“It had never happened that we have so many people in the building, that all the secretaries, all bookkeepers, all cooks, janitors, came because they wanted to see Novak,” the statement read.</p><p dir="ltr">“He will beat them all, at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. I predict that.”</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-c3816aad-7fff-361a-6b01-bb2190cc7832"></span></p><p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images</em></p>

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Novak to get the jab ahead of public address

<p>After his recent deportation from Australian shores over his vaccination status, reports have emerged that the Serbian tennis champ is going to get the jab after all. </p><p>Novak Djokovic's biograper Daniel Muksch, who has written a book chronicling the life and career of the 20-time grand slam champion, suggested that seeing Rafael Nadal win a historic 21st major may have convinced Novak to change his tune on the Covid vaccine. </p><p>“From what I have heard from those around him, I think he is getting vaccinated,” Muksch reportedly said on Austrian TV station Servus TV. </p><p>“Maybe the final in Melbourne also contributed to that. Rafael Nadal’s 21 is driving him, no question.”</p><p>After Nadal's triumph in the Australian Open, Djokovic sent him a message of congratulations, and also congratulated Ash Barty on her win in the women's singles. </p><p>“There has been some outstanding tennis played at this year’s #AusOpen and the finals were exceptional. Congratulations to @ashbarty for an amazing performance in front of her home crowd and to Danielle Collins for an incredible tournament,” Djokovic tweeted on Monday morning.</p><p>“Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time.”</p><p>Djokovic's deportation meant he was unable to compete for a 10th Australian Open victory and push ahead of Nadal and Roger Federer on the list of all-time men's major winners. </p><p>If Novak chooses to get vaccinated ahead of ther French Open, he could be in with a chance to return to the court to defend his title. </p><p>Djokovic is due to meet with populist Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade on Friday, at which point he is expected to deliver a public address.</p><p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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"Hey, we're Aussies": Bec Maddern's classic response to leaked Djokovic footage

<p>7News anchor Rebecca Maddern has spoken out about her leaked comments about Novak Djokovic with co-host Mike Amor. </p><p>The pair of news reporters were captured speaking candidly about the Serbian tennis champion's recent deportation from Australia over his vaccination status, with Rebecca calling Novak an "a**hole".</p><p>The footage of the seemingly off-air comments was leaked by an external Channel Seven staffer, with both reporters staying quiet about the blunder until now. </p><p>Speaking with <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/lifestyle/stellar/rebecca-madderns-one-regret-about-viral-novak-outburst/news-story/2eae792fb5c679a41b412d36e990e0c8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Stellar magazine</a>, Rebecca said her and Mike had been friends "long before" their news program together, and were simply exchanging casual banter between mates. </p><p>"I'm 100 percent sure that the exact same conversation was actually happening in a pub. And lounge rooms. And workplaces," she said. </p><p>"Whether you agree with what I was saying or not is actually irrelevant. Everybody was talking about this and so were we. My language was questionable, but hey, we're Aussies."</p><p>The expletive-ridden rant about Novak quickly went viral on social media, with many Australians feeling divided over Mike and Rebecca's views.</p><p>Rebecca hit back at critics that called her and Mike "unprofessional" and "biased", as she said the idea of impartial journalists was "antiquated".</p><p>"We are human beings and part of the same community as everybody else. Just because I have an opinion on a topic doesn’t mean I can’t present or write about a topic without bias. It’s called training.</p><p>"When I’m on air, I’m a professional and I don’t use that language. I’ll be presenting the news straighty-180 from now on."</p><p><em>Image credits: 7News / Channel Nine</em></p>

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Djokovic responds to Nadal's stunning triumph

<p>Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have both praised Rafael Nadal after an incredible comeback win in the Australian Open final.</p><p>Right at the top of the grand slam count in men’s tennis, Nadal was tied with Federer and Djokovic on 20 majors each heading into Sunday’s final. Then of course Nadal re-wrote the history books.</p><p>After having to modify his game to compensate for degenerative bone disease, this crowns an extraordinary effort. Nadal shared that during the tournament last year, he thought the injury would force him into early retirement, making his achievement even more remarkable.</p><p>Federer, who came close to becoming the first to achieve 21 grand slams when he lost in five sets to Djokovic in the 2019 Wimbledon final, missed the Australian Open as he was recovering from knee surgery.</p><p>“To my friend and great rival @rafaelnadal, heartfelt congratulations on becoming the first man to win 21 Grand Slam singles titles,” Federer posted on Instagram.</p><p>“A few months ago we were joking about both being on crutches. Amazing. Never underestimate a great champion.</p><p>“Your incredible work ethic, dedication and fighting spirit are an inspiration to me and countless others around the world.</p><p>“I am proud to share this era with you and honoured to play a role in pushing you to achieve more, as you have done for me in the past 18 years.</p><p>“I am sure you have more achievements ahead but for now enjoy this one!”</p><p>Djokovic’s hopes of being the first man to reach 21 major victories were immediately over when he was deported from Australia prior to the grand slam over vaccination issues.</p><p>The 34-year-old Serbian tweeted his congratulations after he had first saluted Ash Barty on her title win on Saturday night.</p><p>“There has been some outstanding tennis played at this year’s #AusOpen and the finals were exceptional. Congratulations to @ashbarty for an amazing performance in front of her home crowd and to Danielle Collins for an incredible tournament,” Djokovic tweeted.</p><p>“Congratulations to @RafaelNadal for 21st GS. Amazing achievement. Always impressive fighting spirit that prevailed another time.”</p><p>He added Medvedev “gave it his all out there and played with the passion and determination we have come to expect from him”.</p><p>“You put up one hell of a fight today and I know you will have many more Grand Slam wins in your future,” Djokovic wrote.</p><p>Djokovic has made no secret of his desire to be top of the tree with grand slam titles. Last year Nadal said his rival was “obsessed” with the concept of winning the most majors.</p><p>Leaving aside whether he’ll even be allowed to compete at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US open over vaccination issues, Djokovic has plenty of work to do to catch Nadal.</p><p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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