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NOVAK DJOKOVIC will go down as one of many best tennis gamers in historical past.
But he will even be remembered for his smug and petulant methods on and off the courtroom.
Novak Djokovic has been disqualified from the US Open after hitting a ball that hit a line decide within the throat
There have been some unbelievable highs in his profession – 17 Grand Slam titles for instance – but additionally some main lows and loads of controversies alongside the way in which.
As he flies dwelling from the US Open, having been booted out for accidentally striking a line judge in the throat, the Serbian dangerous boy can have loads of time to ponder his behaviour over the previous 9 months.
ANTI-VAXXER
Djokovic threatened to not return to the tennis circuit if stars have been required to take obligatory vaccination.
In April the world No.1 mentioned he would consider withdrawing from events if he was forced to take any Covid-19 drug earlier than flying.
He mentioned: “Personally I’m against vaccination and I wouldn’t wish to be pressured by somebody to take a vaccine with the intention to journey.”
Bizarrely, in an Instagram video throughout lockdown, Djokovic spouted some nonsense in regards to the skill of optimistic feelings to show polluted water into therapeutic water.
SHAMBOLIC ADRIA TOUR
Djokovic organised an exhibition Jap Europe tennis tour this summer season – which utterly ignored social-distancing measures.
There was doubles matches, crowds, piano taking part in on courtroom, backstage basketball video games after which limbo dancing and topless singing in a Belgrade nightclub.
The occasion needed to be cancelled when six individuals, together with Djokovic and his spouse Jelena, immediately concerned within the match tested positive for Covid-19.
Novak Djokovic did the limbo throughout a wild night time out along with his fellow tennis starsCredit score: Twitter / @hotsportsrb
Djokovic additionally carried out a duet on stageCredit score: Twitter / @benoitmaylin
BREAKAWAY UNION
On the eve of the US Open, Djokovic give up as the pinnacle of the ATP Gamers Council.
The 33-year-old introduced he could be forming a separate affiliation referred to as the Gamers Tennis Gamers Affiliation – a lot to the annoyance of the Grand Slam bosses, together with Wimbledon.
Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer each signed a letter condemning the breakaway union.
And Djokovic and his insurgent cohorts have been slammed for not together with any girls of their membership.
ON-COURT BEHAVIOUR
Djokovic has a historical past of letting his anger get the higher of him.
Through the 2016 French Open quarter-finals in opposition to Tomas Berdych, he got here near default after throwing his racket and practically hitting a line decide.
Through the 2016 O2 ATP Finals, he was confronted by a newspaper reporter post-match for hitting the ball into the crowds. Fortunately it didn’t hit anybody.
Through the 2019 Wimbledon remaining in opposition to Roger Federer, he smacked his racket in opposition to the umpire’s chair in frustration.
Through the 2020 Australian Open, he broke protocol by touching the umpire’s foot during the final.
The Serb additionally got here near being disqualified from the 2016 French Open through the quarter-finals in opposition to Tomas Berdych for throwing his racket and practically hitting a line decide
And he broke protocol by touching the umpire’s foot at this yr’s Aussie open
PINTS AND POINTS
In an Instagram Reside chat with former tennis star Maria Sharapova, Djokovic admitted to taking part in a Davis Cup match with a hangover.
He says he was worse for put on throughout a tie in Sweden shortly after claiming his first Wimbledon title in 2011.
Djokovic mentioned: “I wasn’t alleged to play that weekend. After Friday we have been already 2-0 up, so I celebrated within the night.
“Then on Saturday I discovered myself on the courtroom – put it this manner, my imaginative and prescient of the ball was not optimum in that match.”
FAMILY PROBLEMS
Djokovic has needed to cope with rumours in regards to the power and even breakup of his household.
Most notably through the 2017 Wimbledon championship when TV commentator John McEnroe in contrast him with troubled golfer and serial bed room cheater Tiger Woods.
McEnroe, the tennis legend, claimed Djokovic “had some off-court points with the household,” including: “That’s going to throw you. Should you’re distracted you’re not the identical participant.
“The person who involves thoughts instantly with Novak just isn’t a tennis participant, it’s really a golfer: Tiger Woods.”
Djokovic has been married to Jelena since 2014 and so they have two kids.
He has at all times denied any issues.
