Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker has once again spoken out on the debate surrounding Novak Djokovic. He comes to his defence, but also clearly states that in the end he alone is responsible for the turmoil.
Boris Becker has once again appealed for understanding for his former protégé Novak Djokovic, but also urged the tennis world number one to be vaccinated against the corona virus. In an interview published in the “Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung” on Friday evening, the three-time Wimbledon winner was not surprised that the Australian authorities had once again withdrawn the Serb’s visa. Becker called the decision by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke four days after a defeat in court “a strong return”.
“I don’t point fingers at people “
Defending champion Djokovic’s start at the Australian Open from Monday is therefore in doubt, with a federal court in Melbourne set to hear the 34-year-old’s appeal at the weekend. Becker, former coach of the winner of 20 Grand Slam tournaments, emphasised with regard to the authorities: “I am not someone who points the finger at people, but they are not entirely innocent in the disaster surrounding Novak Djokovic. But he has to pay the bill all by himself.”
Those who do not get vaccinated do not automatically become bad people, said Becker, who himself has been vaccinated three times. “There are many people who hold Novak’s view, trust in their strong immune system and perhaps also have a different view of the world. As a democratic society, we should also allow these other opinions,” Becker said.
The 54-year-old pointed out that infection was nevertheless possible. “In the meantime, we have learned that despite three vaccinations, one can also become infected and pass on the disease. That’s the devilish thing: there is no best solution, only a temporary one. Novak made a different decision than me and the majority of people. But he did nothing forbidden,” he underlined.
However, Becker also advised: “If he wants to continue to concentrate on tennis, he has to make changes. That’s why my opinion would be: “Novak, try to realise that it will be easier for you if you’re vaccinated.” Whether he does that, I don’t know,” Becker said. He added that it would not be easier for Djokovic now because the French Open and Wimbledon would also take a close look at the situation in Australia. But he does not believe that Djokovic will end his career prematurely because of Corona and his attitude towards it.
