Novak Djokovic leaves no stone unturned in pursuit of perfection, however secrecy with drink combination attracts scrutiny

Muricas News  — 

In his pursuit of greatness, it has been nicely documented that Novak Djokovic has left no stone unturned.

From altering his weight loss plan to incorporating meditation into his coaching, the Serb is consistently looking for that additional edge to enhance his possibilities on the tennis courtroom.

His newest efforts, nonetheless, have drawn criticism.

In a video posted on social media, Djokovic’s physio Ulises Badio is seen getting ready a drink within the stands throughout Saturday’s semifinal win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on the Paris Masters.

Badio is then shielded by two different males as he finishes getting ready the drink, earlier than handing it to a ball lady to move onto Djokovic.

The incident has been described as trying “amazingly dodgy” and “weird” by two journalists on Twitter.

Nevertheless, Djokovic’s spouse Jelena has launched a vigorous protection of the 21-time grand slam champion on social media.

“I don’t see something dodgy,” Jelena Djokovic wrote in a single reply. “The truth is, I see individuals attempting to be non-public about their enterprise in a world the place everybody looks like they've each proper to level a digicam at you at any time when they need.

“Apparently, wanting/attempting to be non-public makes you dodgy these days.”

In a single Twitter interplay, a consumer prompt Djokovic rent a PR company to assist keep away from some of these backlash, an concept which was given quick shrift from the tennis star’s spouse.

“He'll discuss when he is able to discuss,” Jelena replied. “This complete nonsense about making individuals talk about one thing they aren't prepared as a result of OTHERS are unpatient (sic) is absurd.

“Sit a bit in silence. Thoughts your self extra. Not every part you see is controversial. It could possibly be non-public. Is that allowed?”

Djokovic was ultimately defeated by unseeded Danish teenager Holger Rune 3-6 6-3 7-5 within the remaining of the Paris Masters.

It’s not the primary time Djokovic has drawn curiosity over a drinks bottle.

Throughout his victorious Wimbledon run earlier this yr, Djokovic was seen inhaling from a drinks bottle. When questioned about it within the post-match press convention, the world No. 8 laughed it off and stated it was a “magic potion.”

“It’s going to return out as one of many complement, let’s say, strains that I’m doing proper now with drink and some different issues,” he stated.

“You’ll attempt it and also you’ll let me know the way it feels. You may win Wimbledon.”

With January’s Australian Open quick approaching, it stays unclear whether or not Djokovic, who's unvaccinated in opposition to Covid-19, will have the ability to compete.

He's at present banned from re-entering the nation till 2025 after being deported earlier than the beginning of the event earlier this yr.

Final month, Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley stated he wouldn't attempt to persuade the Australian authorities to permit Djokovic to compete within the event.

“At this level, Novak and the federal authorities have to work out the scenario after which we’ll comply with any instruction after that,” Tiley informed reporters.

“It’s not a matter we are able to foyer on. It’s a matter that undoubtedly stays between the 2 of them after which relying on the end result of that we might welcome him to the Australian Open.

“(Djokovic) stated that he’d clearly love to return again to Australia, however he is aware of it’s going to be an final determination for the federal authorities.

“He’s accepted that place. It’s a non-public matter between them however we’d wish to welcome Novak again – he’s a nine-time champion – offered he will get the fitting entry necessities into Australia.”