Djokovic is not up to the task

In a professional tennis match, when a player violates the code of conduct, he receives a warning from the chair umpire.

If he relapses, he loses a point, and on the third occasion, a complete game.

The offender, let's say Novak Djokovic - objectively one of the three best tennis players in history - is in his ecosystem, surrounded by fans who want to continue watching him compete.

In front of him, a referee with a lot of left hand tries to redirect the game for the sake of entertainment.

Djokovic, a volcanic tennis player, has experienced similar circumstances before, until he was disqualified at the US Open for hitting a linesman.

The reality off the pitch is more complex, especially when a health crisis converges, a country on the antipode of Djokovic's with close elections and a population exhausted by the strict regulations to which it has been subjected. The tennis player, who during the pandemic has made his refusal to be vaccinated explicit, is now trying to force the rules to be able to defend his title at the Australian Open, taking advantage of his status as the top star. The Serbian was not the only one interested in playing in Melbourne starting Monday. The organizers have, if possible, a greater need for him. Djokovic is to the Australian tournament what Rafa Nadal is to Roland Garros.

That is where the mess comes, and responsibilities that must be shared. The Australian tennis association and the State of Victoria granted a medical exemption to the player, who alleged a coronavirus infection in December to be able to travel without the mandatory two doses of the required vaccine. However, the final decision rested with those responsible for borders and, lastly, with the central government, which considered Djokovic's visa invalid when he was about to cross customs. That disastrous coordination coincides with the worst moment of contagion in the country. A year ago, Australia was a safe exception to covid, but this wave has changed everything. Djokovic, and also the organizers of the tournament, have failed their sensitivity to the times we live in.

With some overaction, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison made it clear that there would be no privilege, not even with his country's nine-time Open winner.

Thus, the sport passed to high diplomacy, and the president of Serbia, together with the tennis player's family, denounced a “political hunt”.

As Nadal pointed out, Djokovic would have had a very easy time playing, getting vaccinated and following the recommendations of science.

He has not, and he will have to bear the consequences, whatever they may be.

And although nothing can be demanded of him, it is painful that Djokovic does not take advantage of the platform that gives him his position for better causes.

Just looking at women's tennis would find good examples.

More information

Djokovic against the world, again