The Serb's chances of winning a record-breaking tenth title in Melbourne are in jeopardy after his visa was cancelled twice.
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Rafael Nadal has been criticized by Nick Kyrgios for his comments about Novak Djokovic‘s ongoing problem before the Australian Open this month. The Serb’s chances of winning a record-breaking tenth title in Melbourne are in jeopardy after his visa was cancelled twice just days before the tournament’s start on Monday.
Djokovic was detained immediately after arriving in Australia, as more information about his medical exemption to enter the country and compete in the new year’s first Grand Slam was requested.
On Monday, it was decided that his visa cancellation order would be annulled immediately and that he would be released from custody. However, Australia’s immigration minister, Alex Hawke, overruled the decision on Friday, leaving Djokovic’s destiny uncertain.
When asked about it, Kyrgios believes Nadal could have used the opportunity to publicly endorse Djokovic rather than taking a non-committal attitude.
“On a human level, he needs support from other players,” the Australian told Sportklub.”[Stefanos] Tsitispas, I get you have your views on vaccination. [Andy] Murray, we can always count to say the right thing, Nadal whatever… But bro, where is your support for the guy?”
Kyrgios, who is known to have a close connection with Djokovic, has already expressed regret over the latter’s treatment by Melbourne officials.
Read More – Novak Djokovic Australia visa revoked again; court hearing on Saturday
Last Saturday morning, the world No. 1 was held once more, this time before his scheduled appeal hearing on Sunday.
Following that, Nadal expressed his thoughts on the latest scenario, claiming that the Australian Open will be a success regardless of whether Djokovic is able to compete. “Players come and then go, and other players are coming,” the Spaniard told reporters.
“No one, even Roger, Novak, myself, Bjorn Borg who was amazing at his times, tennis will keep going. The Australian Open is much more important than any player. If he’s playing finally, okay. If he’s not playing, the Australian Open will be a great Australian Open with or without him. That’s my point of view. I think the situation has gone too far. Honestly, I’m a little bit tired of the situation because I just believe that it’s important to talk about our sport, about tennis.”
