Novak Djokovic is undoubtedly one of the greatest tennis players ever. He has a great record of accomplishments as well as a long list of disputes to his name. For his stance on getting vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus, Novak Djokovic received a great deal of criticism and resentment.
Djokovic stated that while he was willing to give up competing in major slams, he would refuse vaccinations. Djokovic’s visa was revoked, and he was expelled from Australia earlier that year on the grounds of “health and good order.”
Recently Djokovic dropped out of the Toronto Masters due to fatigue. “I have always enjoyed my time in Canada but after speaking with my team we believe this is the right decision to take,” said Djokovic (via CNBCTV18).
With the withdrawal, his anti-vaccination controversy has resurged as fans took to social media to call the fatigue a result of not getting vaccinated. One user commented “Anti-vaxxers are dropping out of Tennis tournaments due to fatigue. He should have taken his vaccines!”
Anti-vaxxers are dropping out of Tennis tournaments due to fatigue.
He should have taken his vaccines!
— Chairman Meow 🇨🇦 🇺🇦 (@Chairman_Meowed) July 23, 2023
Other fans instantly took to Twitter and showed him support,
What a d*mb comment! He ALREADY had covid and won two Slams without the vaccine just this year ALONE 😂 Besides, the vaccine doesn’t stop you from getting the virus!
— Ester 🧜♀️ (@ester95x) July 23, 2023
This isn’t the first time Novak has found himself amidst an anti-vaccination controversy among fans of the sport. After announcing his stance on the matter, Novak has been subjected to constant backlash.
It’s unfortunate that Novak Djokovic had to withdraw from the Toronto Masters due to exhaustion and fatigue. Some fans speculate that he is taking time to prepare more efficiently for the upcoming US Open.
Chris Eubanks replaces Novak Djokovic in Toronto Masters
For Chris Eubanks, the American player who made waves at Wimbledon with his performance, Nole’s absence will be advantageous. Christopher Eubanks will be entered into the main draw by default as a result of Djokovic’s withdrawal.
The 27-year-old caught everyone’s eye at Wimbledon this year with some outstanding performances, and as the hard court season gets underway, he’ll aim to keep up the good work. This is the first time Eubanks will be competing in Toronto. Fans and other American athletes will be delighted to see him participate in an ATP Masters 1000 main draw after obtaining a wild card at his home event in Atlanta.
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from Toronto Masters due to fatigue.
This means Chris Eubanks will now receive automatic entry to the main draw. pic.twitter.com/jFrzB7CATj
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 23, 2023
Fans have shown their excitement on social media, some have shown their excitement on seeing him play rather than Djokovic.
Chris, currently ranked 32 by ATP, represented the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in college tennis. He was twice voted ACC Player of the Year and an All-American there. His highest ATP singles rating of No. 31 was attained on July 17, 2023. On September 14, 2020, he reached a career-high doubles ranking of No. 182 in the world.