Novak in AO Final

Beats Paul in Semis

Novak's Dad to Miss AO Semi-Final

 This was unfortunate and I believe that  he didn't know the politics of the fans involved.

Syrdjan to miss AO Semi

Novak still under attack at AO

Radio guy says deport him, possibly in jest

Novak has problem with a "tennis fan" at the AO

 Eurosport

Fans like this need to be banned. It's not just about the players. It's about the fans that come to watch tennis. 

 Go to a football game where it's expected if you want to get sloshed.

Rafa is out of the AO - perspective

 Some argue that minus injuries he would have 4 or 5 more wins at the Australian Open.

He could have had 4 or 5 more if Novak wasn't there as last year proved. 

The same argument could apply to Novak taking more French Open titles if Rafa wasn't there.

This is not his best surface and carries more injury risk for him.

Novak Returns to the Australian Open - No longer a Villain

 This is a nice NYT article that feels balanced in reporting compared to previous accounts by most sports writers last year.  Many are still glued to their anger at Novak for not submitting.

NYT Article

Alcaraz out of AO - Injury

Another out for an injury.

ATP - Alcaraz

Australia Paying Price for Mistreatment of Novak Djokovic

 Potential tourists don't like what they saw.   I would never visit there based on what they did to a high profile visitor since I would never even be noticed if I were to be hauled away.  

Forget that place.

Australian Gulag

Novak didn't Whine about the AO

 Novak

First Slams and Tallies

 

"Let's move on, " says AO Director

 

 

 

 

Move On - Really 

How did denying Novak the chance to play in the 2022 AO change the outcome? Rock - Scissors - Paper

 Here is how I see it.

It reminds me of the Rock, Scissors, Paper game.

In the Big 3, before 2011 Fed could beat everyone except Rafa. When Novak hit stride in 2011 and forward, Rafa couldn't touch him on HC but Rafa can beat everyone including Fed. 

 Now, Med may become a problem for Novak as he has shown, but it has still been 9 years since Rafa has taken a set from Novak. So, if the draw had Novak facing Rafa anywhere in the draw, even the finals, the odds were his. 

How were the odds changed?

It moved Rafa's chance to win the whole thing from less than 20% to 50%.   And because of how games line up, it took Med's chance from say 40-50 % against Novak to 25% against Rafa.    Against Med, even. Knocking Novak out of it took him from a 50-70% depending on the draw, to Zero.  

 

Mac talks of Gloating from Aussies against Novak

Feeling envy and bitterness toward anyone whose presence reminds you that you aren't free is probably the outcome of being a captive in your own country for two years. It's not a good look for the AO or Australia. Many others in tennis have shown the same response and I wonder if it's for similar reasons.

 Tennis Legend accuses fans of Gloating over Djokovic Treatment

Nadal wins the AO in 5 Sets Capturing 21 Grand slam titles

 CBS News

Medvedev disappointed by the crowds at the AO

It would be better for him if he were more stoic but that doesn't fit the pattern nowadays where fist pumps and emotional outbursts are probably part of the seminar they get from their PR managers to gain notoriety. They can't all be Borg, but I think it would help if they'd try to channel him. As for the crowds, I've been in NY for the day crowds that are reasonably well behaved, but it seems that the night crowds are less contained. I imagine that the partisanship of the AO crowds have the added perception that Medvedev sides with Novak and that would offend their sense of servility to the mandates. 

 

Med needs to channel Novak for dealing with hostile crowds if he can't go with the Borg approach. As for bad crowds, I think screaming when a player serves should get you banned from the stadium.

Did Rafa get preferential Treatment to get into the AO? The rules suggest that the rules were ignored.

 Special Treatment

They gave him a pass because he is provax and supports the state narrative.  It's as simple as that.

Djokovic Deportation Hangs in the Balance

 "Retaining the Australian Open as a grand slam event I would argue is in our national interest." Liberal MP John Alexander

 Deportation Hangs in Balance

AO Pandemic Rules Change Again

 Sliding Scale of Treatment for players

 They are becoming obvious here.  

Novax detained at Airport in Australia

Novak's Father Discusses Vax Status

 Exemption for AO?

They should give him one since he's had health issues prior to this with food allergies.  

Bencic gets Covid - Hopefully she'll make it to the AO

 

The AO is likely going to run into problems like this among the many players arriving to play.