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His former coach protects Novak Djokovic: Boris Becker does not think it is good that the world number one is not vaccinated, but his decision has to be respected.
Becker (right) “hurts his soul” at the way Djokovic is treated in Australia.
AFP / Nicolas Gouhier
As the tennis superstar’s lawyers say, Novak Djokovic tested positive for the corona virus on December 16.
AFP
Tennis star Boris Becker defends his former protégé: “You have to respect your decision.”
Djokovic was refused entry to Australia on Wednesday evening because he was unable to provide the necessary documents for a medical exemption.
The court in Melbourne wants to decide on Monday morning whether Djokovic has to leave the country or can stay.
Tennis idol Boris Becker has defended his former protégé Novak Djokovic in view of the ongoing criticism. Becker does not find it good that the world number one is not vaccinated, but at the same time the 54-year-old emphasizes to the “Bild” newspaper: “You have to respect your decision. Just because you don’t get vaccinated doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. “
Djokovic was refused entry to Australia on Wednesday evening because he was unable to provide the necessary documents for a controversial medical exemption. Since then he has been staying in a hotel for people obliged to leave the country. That hurts Becker “in the soul”, as the former Wimbledon champion said: “Of course everyone is equal before the law, but he doesn’t deserve the way he is currently dealt with.”
The decision will be made on Monday
The court in Melbourne wants to decide on Monday morning (10 a.m. / 12 a.m. CET) whether Djokovic has to leave the country or stay and participate in the Australian Open, which begins on January 17th. A positive corona test from December 2021 should apparently help him to participate in the tournament.
Becker does not believe that Djokovic acted negligently. “He flew to Australia in good faith that he had a valid entry permit. If the papers he received had not been in order, Novak would never have got on the plane. After all, he’s not an idiot. “
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(DPA / chk)