Alexander Zverev made a spirited defence of embattled world primary Novak Djokovic on Saturday, saying his legacy won’t be tarnished by the visa saga which has rocked the tennis world forward of the Australian Open.
Djokovic arrived in Melbourne with a medical exemption from Australia’s requirement for guests to be vaccinated for COVID-19 however had his visa cancelled first on arrival after which once more on Friday after he received a courtroom case earlier within the week.
His hopes of successful a file twenty first Grand Slam title on the Australian Open could possibly be ended by the result of one other courtroom case on Sunday.
Djokovic’s willpower to play within the match with out vaccination angered the Australian public and drew criticism from fellow gamers however third seed Zverev mentioned he was nonetheless a towering determine within the sport.
“I don’t know what the perception around the fans is,” he advised reporters.”I do know that within the sport he’s nonetheless seen one of many best gamers as a result of his achievements aren’t taken away.”
He nonetheless received 20 Grand Slams. He nonetheless has essentially the most weeks as world primary. He nonetheless has essentially the most Masters Series (titles).”Still for me, one of many best gamers of all time.
“This is obviously not a nice thing for everyone, for him especially. But don’t question his legacy because of this.”
Should Djokovic be absent from a match he has received 9 occasions it could increase the probabilities of gamers like Zverev, who’ve been knocking on the door on the Grand Slams for years.
Zverev named himself amongst contenders to observe at Melbourne Park, together with U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev, Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas and sixth seed Rafa Nadal, who’s stage with Djokovic and the absent Roger Federer on a file 20 Grand Slam titles.
“I have practised with Rafa, who I think is playing incredible right now again,” mentioned Zverev of the Spaniard.Zverev was carrying a T-shirt with German colors in a throwback to final 12 months’s Olympic triumph in Tokyo the place he received the singles gold, the proudest second of his profession.
He mentioned the clothes gave him good vibes forward of the Grand Slam.”I did have the most important victory, the most important match on this planet that I received on this gear. It brings again unimaginable reminiscences,” he mentioned.”I simply wished to have that feeling earlier than the match begins right here.”
