Novak Djokovic, the 20-time Grand Slam winner and world-renowned tennis sensation, has undeniably left an indelible mark on the sport. However, beyond his on-court triumphs, the Serbian ace has been no stranger to controversy, enigmatic health beliefs, and unorthodox practices that have kept both fans and critics on the edge of their seats.
In a recent twist of events, Djokovic found himself at the center of attention when his visa for the Australian Open was revoked, leading to his deportation from Melbourne. Despite the 34-year-old’s boast about being granted an exemption to defend his Australian Open title, his well-known stance against vaccinations created consternation among Australians, ultimately resulting in his visa being revoked.
This incident is just one in a series of controversies that have surrounded Djokovic over the years. Beyond his tennis prowess, Djokovic is recognized for his unconventional health beliefs, including his self-diagnosis of a wheat allergy by pressing a slice of bread into his stomach. Collaborating with Spanish coach Pepe Imaz, known for his belief in meditation and the power of hugging trees, Djokovic has delved into holistic cures, a departure from conventional medical practices.
The tennis star’s beliefs took a peculiar turn when he suggested that positive thinking could transform polluted water into drinkable water. This unique perspective on health aligns with his frequent use of hyperbaric chambers, exposing his body to pure oxygen at higher pressures, even bringing a mobile version to the US Open.
Djokovic’s off-court life has been rife with rumors and speculations, including allegations of cheating on his wife, Jelena, of seven years. The couple faced split rumors in 2019 when Jelena did not attend any of Djokovic’s Wimbledon matches, sparking conjecture about their relationship. Tennis pundit John McEnroe even drew parallels between Djokovic’s on-court performance and the challenges faced by golfer Tiger Woods during his marital troubles.
The Serbian tennis star’s friendships with other women, such as Serbian pop star Natasa Bekvalac, sparked persistent rumors of romantic involvement. Djokovic’s links to a blonde lawyer named Victoria and his appearance with Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone added further fuel to the gossip mill.
In a disturbing revelation, a model, Natalija Scekic, claimed she was offered £50,000 to trick Djokovic into a compromising situation on camera. Refusing the offer, she exposed a seedy plot to exploit the tennis star.
Djokovic’s on-court tactics have also raised eyebrows, with his liberal use of tactical toilet breaks during matches. While men’s tennis allows for comfort breaks only between sets, Djokovic has taken advantage of this rule during tense matches, using the breaks to mentally reset himself. Despite the controversy surrounding this strategy, Djokovic maintains a high success rate following these breaks, leaving opponents frustrated.
The Serbian star’s temper has been a recurring theme, leading to apologies for outbursts at officials and even a disqualification from the 2020 US Open after accidentally hitting a line judge.
In the midst of the pandemic, Djokovic’s vaccine hesitancy emerged, expressing opposition to vaccination during a Facebook Live chat in April 2020. His stance raised questions about the potential impact on his ability to travel for tournaments.
Novak Djokovic’s life, both on and off the court, is a tapestry of triumphs, controversies, and unconventional beliefs. As he navigates the complexities of fame and competition, the enigmatic tennis star continues to captivate the world with his skill, quirks, and unyielding spirit. Only time will reveal the next chapter in Djokovic’s captivating journey through the world of tennis and beyond.