Novak Djokovic Admits He Didn’t Want To Watch The Australian Open Final

by Staff | February 22nd, 2022, 9:52 am
  • 19 Comments

Speaking yesterday after his first match of 2022, Novak Djokovic admitted that he had no interest in watching the Rafael Nadal’s incredible Australian Open final win over Daniil Medvedev or the event as a whole following his deportation.

But with others in his house watching, he had no choice.

“I wasn’t enjoying watching the tournament knowing that I’m not able to be there. So the finals, I was trying not to watch it, but then I had my household was watching, basically everyone was watching, my wife and my kids, so I had to follow it,” Djokovic said.


“But congratulations to Rafa. I mean, incredible performance. Amazing fighter he is. He said it, I mean, definitely one of the biggest wins of his life, in the circumstances, coming back after an injury.”

Djokovic also revealed that he apparently exchanged texts with Medvedev over how the crowd treated the Russian at the end.

“I relate to that,” said Djokovic who has also played the role of villain against Rafa/Roger. “We spoke. Actually we texted after the match. I really felt sad that he was experiencing those kind of emotions because the inner kid is the reason why we are playing tennis. I mean, at least in my case and I think in his case.

“Obviously losing, being two sets to love up in the finals, it’s tough one to swallow. Of course, I’ve been in those shoes before. I understand how he feels.

“I wish him all the best. I think he’s a great champion, someone that is mentally very strong, already consistent with his results, soon to be No. 1 in the world as well. I can relate to that. I felt sorry for him that he commented the way he did after the match. But I do understand.”


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19 Comments for Novak Djokovic Admits He Didn’t Want To Watch The Australian Open Final

Giles Says:

Silly silly man. You missed the greatest match ever and AO and fans didn’t miss your presence one little bit! It was your loss dude! Lol

February 23rd, 2022 at 6:31 am


Miles Says:

Australia politicians are tools. The asterisks era begins. Good chance that Djokovic would have stomped Nadal. Djokovic is truly a special multigenerational talent. To not watch him play is like missing out on shooting star.

February 23rd, 2022 at 8:39 am


skeezer Says:

We have been in the asterisk era for awhile. Guess who is on top of that?

February 23rd, 2022 at 10:34 am


Okiegal Says:

Vessels takes out Novak. A new #1….

February 24th, 2022 at 12:10 pm


Okiegal Says:

Typo…Vessely

February 24th, 2022 at 12:11 pm


Okiegal Says:

Vessely……typo…..

February 24th, 2022 at 12:13 pm


Giles Says:

It’s such a bright and beautiful day. 😜
Joker loses Dubai to a journeyman AND the #1 ranking. Party time! Lololol

February 24th, 2022 at 12:27 pm


Andy Mira Says:

Here ye!..here ye!….Watch out Rafans!…Zed will come out & blame Rafa for Novak loss today!…Take cover!..zzzzooommmm!!!

February 24th, 2022 at 1:25 pm


chrisford1 Says:

Even if he hadn’t lost the ability to play due to his “rebel without a clue” anti-vaxx stance, and defended against Medvedev, it was inevitable the Russian was going to take #1.
Djokovic didn’t give it away, Medvedev EARNED IT THE HARD WAY in an 8-year long fight to the top.
He will never amass the records and trophies the Big 3 managed, may even toil to be on a par with Andy. But he will always be known as the worthy successor when the era of the Big 3 and Andy was closing down.
Rafa has already said chasing #1 is not in his end of career goals. Djokovic may try at some time to get it back, he came up a few weeks short of 3 huge “GOATY” milestones as #1, but not when he is considered unwelcome in most nations with top tennis venues.

February 24th, 2022 at 4:35 pm


Zed Says:

Guys and Girls (and whatever Giles is),

I agree it was inevitable that Novak would lose the number #1 spot at some time (especially when he is restricted from playing) but from what I can gather, he actually doesn’t care all that much about it.

I remember when he lost to Daniil in the USO final. In the after-match interview he congratulated Daniil on the win and when asked about whether Daniil will eventually take number #1 he said something like “I think he may already have the number #1 spot with this win, I haven’t looked at the points for a while”.

Novak was wrong of course, he retained the number #1 spot and has accumulated 361 weeks. He may return to number #1 or he may not. He may decide to focus on Grand Slams and ATP 1000’s which will make it harder to accumulate the points.

Rafa has 209 weeks at number 1 and Roger has 310, which (correct me if I am wrong) are both less than 361. If that is correct then in the GOAT race that puts Novak ahead of the other two doesn’t it?

And Rafa. Only 209 weeks? That’s 152 weeks less than Novak right? WOW that’s almost 3 years less than Novak and he’s been playing longer :)

Here’s the weeks at number 1;

https://www.ultimatetennisstatistics.com/record?recordId=WeeksAtATPNo1

February 24th, 2022 at 5:52 pm


John Says:

@zed

A lot more going on.

I assume Djokovic is on the bench for the forceable future?

February 24th, 2022 at 9:41 pm


Zed Says:

John, was that a Freudian slip or a deliberate mistype?

I don’t know if you meant to say “foreseeable” but simply mistyped or whether you used a very clever play on words by using “forceable” on purpose!

If the latter then that was a very clever way of commenting on how Novak is being forced by the powers-that-be to comply with their edicts.

p.s. are you saying “on the bench” because of vaccine mandates?

February 24th, 2022 at 10:58 pm


John Says:

Zed,

Indeed a Freudian slip.

I assumed the chaos is encompassing your radar, as much as it is mine.

As much as we may have different opinions; I know that on this we stand together.

Goodspeed.

February 24th, 2022 at 11:25 pm


Zed Says:

John, by chaos do you mean Russia/Ukraine?

February 24th, 2022 at 11:29 pm


John Says:

@Zed

In tempus praesens I do.

February 24th, 2022 at 11:48 pm


Zed Says:

John, I agree that there is much we stand together on.

The differences of opinion people hold on tennis are not important. I actually have a chuckle that I argue over it at all.

It is fun arguing over tennis but, after all is said and done, tennis is a game and our favourite players are basically entertainers.

February 24th, 2022 at 11:54 pm


John Says:

@Zed

My answer had a double meaning, -Sofia Gubaidulina – In Tempus Praesens… search on YT.

I was hoping you would naturally find it. Somewhat terrifying…

February 25th, 2022 at 12:10 am


Zed Says:

John, I did look up “tempus praesens” when you first used it (my Latin is terrible) and I saw that it means “in the present time” so I thought you meant “in the present time I do” in your response.

When searching, I did see the YouTube video “Sofia Gubaidulina – In Tempus Praesens” was one of the links but didn’t think that was what you were referring to.

Now that I know, will watch it now.

February 25th, 2022 at 12:27 am

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