OPINION: Novak Djokovic in a mess of his own making, but maybe this time he will learn
Then there was Djokovic's insistence that he be given special allowance to live in a mansion while other players were quarantined in a New York hotel — the same players he is inciting to rebellion as the founder of a rebel players association.
Equally passionate were Djokovic's defenders — and, after last week's column, I can tell you the Serbian's supporters are numerous and forceful in their advocacy for their hugely talented hero. This is partly true given Djokovic no more intended to strike an official than he intended to create a discernible spike in COVID-19 infection rates during his otherwise well-meaning exhibition tour for out-of-work players.
You whack the ball, you swallow the consequences. And in this case, those consequences are historically great — a lost opportunity to win the 18th grand slam title that would have put Djokovic within striking distance of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the all-time honour roll. So you can immediately discount any conspiracy theories about the rule being applied harshly or unequally to the increasingly divisive Djokovic — particularly the idea he is being punished for starting his new players association.In truth, the contentious thing about the rule is not that it was applied to the odds-on US Open favourite in the early stages of a fourth-round match. It's that it needs to be written down.
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