By Gabe Jaramillo
Roger Federer is known as “His Majesty”, Rafael Nadal as “The Matador” and Novak Djokovic as “The Prankster”. These three tennis aces have dominated the sport for 15 years. From this trio recognized as the Big Three, the best racket of all time was bound to come out.
Before the Australian Open, the Big Three were tied for 20 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic is considered the best hard court player of all time, having won three US Opens and nine Australian Opens. Clay is his favorite surface and he has won the French Open twice.
Playing on the grass at Wimbledon he has won the top honor six times. Therefore, we deduce that Australia would have been the tournament that gave him more options to reach Grand Slam number twenty-one.
The arrival in Melbourne was an odyssey that was followed in detail by lovers of this sport, all due to Australia’s health protocols.
During those days before the event, when Djokovic was confined in a hotel awaiting the decision of the immigration judge, the international press gave hope that if they approved the entry visa, “The Joker” could defend his title. But as we all know, he was denied entry to the country, and Nadal dragged with the crown, making him the player with the most Grand Slams, twenty-one.
This week we learned what Djokovic sticks to his principles of individual freedom. He believes that he and only he is responsible for the decisions that affect his life, including his health. Consequently, it will not share the information if you have been vaccinated or not against Covid19.
As a result, he would be out of the French Open and Wimbledon. From this perspective, some applaud him for his courage in holding fast to the importance of the freedom of the individual, putting fundamental rights before his career and his legacy.
However, there is the other side that calls him selfish and egotistical. Countries have resorted to isolation and vaccination in the hope of saving lives by avoiding contamination. People are against Djokovic’s decision so far because they blindly believe that it is essential to follow the steps required by public health statutes to mitigate the spread of the virus.
While some people may point out that athletes should use their platforms to express their opinions about the ruling classes, others firmly believe that sport is pure and that athletes should stay away from these political debates.
It is a difficult dilemma. When athletes get involved in these debates, they drive a wedge, even among their supporters. As is known, tournaments spend a considerable amount of money, and to be attractive, the quality of the players must be exceptional. From sponsors to viewers, that billboard is what sells. So athletes have a tremendous responsibility within the sport.
Definitely, Djokovic is the best player in the world. While Federer and Nadal are in the last stretchDjoker has many years to break all records, winning more Grand Slams than any other player.
When Sampras set those records, it was said that no other person would achieve such a feat.. However, he has already been outclassed by three players who have won on all surfaces.
I am sure that It will be many years before a new star appears that manages to beat the marks established by these three magnificent tennis players
What decision will Djokovic make? What laws will govern the tournaments and other countries? Only time will tell. In the meantime, we will be looking forward to Djokovic’s return.; imposing his magic and going down in history as the best of all time.
About Gabe Jaramillo
Gabe Jaramillo is a renowned international tennis coach. In addition, he is Senior Executive Vice President, Director of Tennis Coaching at Altitude International. Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: “ALTD”) and is a member of its board of directors.
He worked with and developed many of the best players in tennis history, including 11 of the world’s No. 1 players and 27 of the top 10 players, including Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Maria Sharapova, Monica Seles and Kei. Nishikori.
