Boris Becker: Djokovic 'will win the crowd over' at Australian Open despite visa saga
- Sean Fisher
- 11 January 2022
Six-time Grand Slam winner Boris Becker thinks Djokovic is in for a rough first week at the Australian Open, but remains adamant the Serb can still win over the crowd.
Following Djokovic's successful appeal, the Serbian star is now eligible to play in this month's Australian Open, but having caught the world's attention in recent weeks, he'll be under more pressure than ever.
It's been reported that many tennis stars set to feature in the Grand Slam are unhappy with the news that the world No.1 is being allowed to play, with Marton Fucsovics stating that he "has no right" to be in Australia.
But, Boris Becker - Djokovic's former coach - has rallied behind his former pupil, suggesting he can still win the crowd over with his on-court performances.
"I'm sure there will be a couple of boos and whistles, but he's used to that.
"He was always a street-fighter who had to fight the odds and win over the crowd, and it was fascinating in last year's US Open final when they finally embraced him.
"The crowd will be difficult with him but with each match he starts, he will win the crowd and they will embrace him again. But he is going to have a difficult first week."
Novak Djokovic's former coach Boris Becker tells #BBCBreakfast the World Number 1 is 'shell-shocked' after his visa controversy in Australia.
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) January 11, 2022
Djokovic was seen training ahead of the Australian Open, after a judge overturned his visa cancellation.https://t.co/f6MIdbXnmX pic.twitter.com/T6KN8KqDuZ
However, while Becker did show support of Djokovic's stance, he also showed his concern about similar situations arising in future Grand Slams, and suggested the best solution was for Djokovic to accept the vaccine.
I'm sure the French Open and Wimbledon will be watching the Melbourne saga, and I'm sure they will have strict rules on who can play and who cannot play," Becker added.
"It's everybody's choice but life is more difficult if you don't want to be vaccinated. Personally I'd advise him to be vaccinated eventually because life would be easier for him, but ultimately it's his choice and we have to respect that."
There's still rumblings that the Australian government may still try to exercise further ways to deport Djokovic following his successful appeal, but as it stands, the world No.1 will be in Thursday's draw.
