Aussie tennis star in hot water over Novak Djokovic tweet

Australian tennis player John Millman has attracted the ire of social media after questioning why Novak Djokovic can’t compete in the US Open.

Djokovic is not permitted to enter the US given the nation’s current regulations that require non-citizens to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, preventing the recent Wimbledon champion from competing in the US Open.

While revealing to Twitter his withdrawal from the ATP 250 event in Mexico after he tested positive for Covid-19, Millman suggested that Djokovic should be able to compete in the US Open despite his vaccination status given so many Americans appear to be not following Covid-19 guidelines.

I’m out with covid. I was just in the states and it didn’t really feel like too many were following any recommendations or guidelines there. Which is fine, but therefore I can’t see then why @DjokerNole can’t come and compete.

— John Millman (@johnhmillman) August 3, 2022

His tweet quickly triggered a fierce debate among Twitter users, with many criticising Millman and calling for Djokovic to get the vaccination if he wishes to compete.

Because its the law there? Not hard is it

— Ryan Hazel (@RyanHazel1) August 3, 2022

If you live here you would know. Usta is not stopping him. It’s the government won’t let him in.

— tennislover (@whatisthebein) August 3, 2022

No one asked you ????????‍♀️

— Paula Fagerberg (@PaulaFagerberg) August 3, 2022

He can play . He can absolutely play. He just needs to put the greater good ahead of himself and get vaccinated.

— Sarah (@sarah__mccabe) August 3, 2022

Although there were many who criticised Millman for his view just as many supported his stance and called for Djokovic to be included in the US Open despite his vaccination status.

Get well soon, John. And thank you. I’m sure it’s not easy to voice that.

— European Progressive (@EuropeanProg) August 3, 2022

Always so honest and fair! There are several tennis players who deserve praise for their attitude and courage to express their opinion! #LetNovakPlay ????????❤️ pic.twitter.com/FQH76bXEzj

— Vladimir Petrovic (@Vlada1959) August 3, 2022

Wishing you a speedy recovery and good luck in your future competitions.???? It is greatly appreciated that you expressed support for Novak. A true example of sportsmanship and collegiality.????????????

— AACH (@AACH88132127) August 3, 2022

USTA doesn’t want to seek any exemption for him. At this point ATP should push USTA to seek an exemption.

I don’t necessarily agree with Novak’s choice but unvaccinated Americans players will be allowed to play Us Open, I know these are restrictions for foreigners but not fair.

— vintageaddicted (@cestlaviemacher) August 3, 2022

Following the uproar, Millman clarified his position on the vaccination requirement and voiced his support for a vaccination requirement.

Let me be clear. If everyone in the country was following guidelines then I’m all for them enforcing a vax entry policy. But from what I saw pretty much no one was, the tournament allows non vax citizens to play and only 30% have had a booster.. https://t.co/hU6I8XVdcZ

— John Millman (@johnhmillman) August 3, 2022

Djokovic’s stance on vaccines and his refusal to follow vaccine mandates has marred his recent on-court achievements, which earlier this year saw the world No. 6 forfeit his spot at the 2022 Australian Open after his Australian visa was cancelled.

Djokovic’s visa was cancelled after arriving at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport at around 11:30 pm on Wednesday, January 5. Following a court battle on January 10 to have the cancellation overturned and after the intervention of Immigration Minister Alex Hawke, Djokovic was forced to leave Australia.

Djokovic was spotted leaving Australia at Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport at 10:30pm on Sunday, January 16 flanked by Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers as he boarded an Emirates flight to Dubai.

Despite his vaccine objections and the roadblocks it has caused for his competitive sporting career, Djokovic recently secured his Wimbledon men’s final win at Centre Court on Sunday, July 10.

In the highly anticipated final showdown between himself and Nick Kyrgios, Djokovic recorded a 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6(3) victory over Kyrgios at the All England Club. His Wimbledon win continues Djokovic’s winning streak at the club to 28 matches, with his recent victory marking the first time he has won four consecutive titles at the tournament.

A humbled Djokovic struggled to find the words to convey what winning the Wimbledon finals meant to him and those closest to him.

“I’ve lost words for what this tournament, what this trophy means to me, to my team, to my family. I have said this many times,” he said.