Djokovic Pens Open Letter To Australia To Clear The Air

Novak Djokovic (photo: Florian Heer)

WASHINGTON, January 21, 2021 (by Michael Dickens)

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is never one to shy away from speaking his mind and sometimes it stirs controversy. Earlier this week, Djokovic presented a list of suggestions – some called them demands – to Tennis Australia chief executive and Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley that drew a lot of criticism from Australians and media skepticism.

On Wednesday, Djokovic wrote an open letter to Australians that he posted on his social media platforms to try to clear the air and share his point of view.

Australia,

In light of recent media and social media criticism for my letter to Craig Tiley (Tournament director of Australian Open), I would like to clarify a few things.

My good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued as being selfish, difficult, and ungrateful. This couldn’t be farther from the truth,”  Djokovic expressed.

“I’ve earned my privileges the hard way, and for that reason, it’s very difficult for me to be a mere onlooker knowing how much every help, gesture and good word mattered to me when I was small & insignificant in the world pecking order.”

“You can argue with Djokovic about many things,” New York Times tennis correspondent Christopher Clarey wrote on Twitter, “but there is no arguing about him earning his privileges the hard way.”

Click on the link to read Novak Djokovic’s entire letter:

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What they’re saying

Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia chief executive, on the top tennis stars who are quarantining in Adelaide: “I get the feeling it is perceived as preferential treatment. But they’re the top players in the world. My general rule is if you’re at the top of the game, a Grand Slam champion, it’s just the nature of the business. You are going to get a better deal.”

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