Boris Becker has criticised Novak Djokovic’s father for going too far following his outburst surrounding his son’s detention in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open.
Djokovic arrived in Australia last week to defend his Grand Slam title, but was detained upon arrival at the airport after having his visa declined by border force officials.
The world No 1 was then dramatically whisked away to a quarantine hotel facility, where he remained until Monday.
The Serbian was then released after a judge overturned the decision against his visa on Monday, meaning the world No 1 looked set to compete in next week’s Grand Slam.
Despite this the tale took another big twist on Friday, as Australian immigation minister Alex Hawke revoked Djokovic’s visa for a second time – effectively ordering for his deportation.
The Serbian has again appealed the decision but will have to wait until Sunday to hear the result, just one day before he is scheduled to play his compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round.
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Becker added that with him being a close friend of the Djokovic family, tennis ace Novak should appreciate his opinion.
He went on: “I was also invited to the wedding – I’ll say I’m welcome in the Djokovic clan. But that doesn’t mean that I think everything is good.
“Novak hopefully also appreciates me because I tell him my opinion. That doesn’t mean he always follows that opinion.”
Tournament officials and Australian politicians specifically informed those competing in the tournament this month that they must be vaccinated against Covid, a topic that the Serbian has often refused to discuss.
As a result Becker is now worried that Djokovic’s vaccine-sceptic approach could well hamper his inclusion in the sport’s other big events later down the line.
“I also wonder what will happen in the future? Does he want to have this sort of drama at every Grand Slam?” He added.
“Roland Garros has certainly been watching, Wimbledon and the other tournaments too. The regulations are getting stricter rather than looser.
“That’s why my opinion would be: Boy, now play the Australian Open as well as you can, but then try to realise that it will be easier for you if you’re vaccinated. Whether he does that, I don’t know.”
