Serbian player Novak Djokovic is one of the biggest tennis stars in the world at the moment. The Australian Open is one of his favorite hunting grounds, and he has always performed well in Melbourne. Djokovic will take to the courts as the defending champion in the new season. Hence, fans have not taken kindly to the broadcaster omitting Djokovic from the official poster.
Novak has won the Australian Open a staggering ten times in his career. Given the kind of form he is in, he is the overwhelming favorite to add another one in the new season. Djokovic has etched his name in the history of the tournament with his exploits.
However, one of the tournament’s major broadcasters, Eurosport, left Novak out of the promotional poster. Rafael Nadal, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, Andy Murray, and Cameron Norrie found spots instead. This move raised a lot of eyebrows since three of the players featured on the poster have never lifted the trophy. Fans were naturally upset with Djokovic being overlooked once again.
Shouldn’t the two most decorated tennis “sportsmen of the year” say something about media erasing their fellow great from the sport? #WhereIsDjokovic pic.twitter.com/eG3dJL4a6b
— barry aruba (@BarryAruba) December 23, 2023
Users flocked to social media and lambasted Eurosport for deliberately leaving Novak out. Many expressed their disappointment, and one fan did not hold back, stating this is the outcome, “when money prevails over intelligence.” Here are a few reactions to the snub.
Ahahhahahaha 3/5 has never won the title but a notable champion has won the Australian open a record breaking 10 times. i.e. 2 more than the combined total of grand slams won by 4 of the players shown 👀🤭 https://t.co/HDxvP1W5lL
— Raiyan (@NovakDjokerFans) December 24, 2023
How disappointing when money prevails over intelligence, honor and respect. Happens a lot. https://t.co/cRHv2OLviQ
— Mary (@onemarymarks) December 24, 2023
This is not the first time that Novak Djokovic has been snubbed. Wimbledon and the US Open were also guilty of doing it this year. The Serb himself will not mind it so much, and as always, he will let his racket speak for him.
A former tennis legend ranks Novak Djokovic among the best
Djokovic had one of the best seasons of his career in 2023. He won seven titles, three of which were Grand Slams. Novak even picked up the Nitto ATP Finals trophy, thereby finishing the year as the world number one. John McEnroe, the former legend, is in awe of Djokovic’s achievements.
“He (Djokovic) is one of the most remarkable athletes you will see in any sport in every way possible. The drive, the hunger, the will he still has after all his achievements is crazy. He is one in a billion,” said McEnroe in September (via The Daily Express).
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Novak Djokovic became the player with the most major titles after winning the US Open. He will hope to do better, aiming to win the golden slam. Djokovic will be seen in the Riyadh Tennis Cup next.