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Novak Djokovic's vaccination saga ahead of the 2022 Australian Open was one of the most turbulent periods of his career. The media frenzy surrounding the whole ordeal was chaotic, and prominent journalist and media personality Piers Morgan has reopened those old wounds.
Participation in that year's Melbourne Major was contingent on players being vaccinated against COVID-19, which Djokovic refused to do. Although he was initially allowed to enter the country, his visa was eventually canceled and he was deported from the country.
Djokovic was equally admired and criticized for sticking to his guts. Morgan was one of those who punished him harshly then. He recently shared on social media that he met with the Serbian for an exclusive interview, which will be released next week.
A fan asked Morgan if he remembered how scathing he was in his elimination of Djokovic over his stance on vaccines. The Brit replied in the affirmative, adding that the former world number 1 was also aware of it.
“Remember how you regularly berated/insulted him during the 2022 Australian Open when he refused to take the vaccine,” one fan asked Morgan.
“I do, I do. And so does he,” Morgan replied.
The Australian Open wasn't the only tournament Djokovic missed that year because of his refusal to comply with the vaccine mandate. He skipped the “Sunshine Double” events in Indian Wells and Miami in the spring. He also didn't participate in the entire American hard court swing in the summer due to the mandatory vaccination guidelines set in place to enter Canada and the US.
However, it was not all doom and gloom Djokovic in 2022. He took advantage of his limited opportunities and had another season to remember despite the drama off the court.
Novak Djokovic won 5 titles in 2022 despite being ineligible to compete in numerous tournaments
Following his unceremonious deportation of Australia, Novak Djokovic's first tournament of the 2022 season was the Dubai Tennis Championships. His quest for a sixth title at the venue ended with a loss to Jiri Vesely in the quarterfinals. Missing the Indian Wells Masters and the Miami Open, she had to wait until the start of the clay swing to compete again.
Djokovic lost to Andrey Rublev in the final of the Serbian Open and claimed his first title of the season at the Italian Open. His French Open title defense ended in the quarterfinals at the hands of his old rival, Rafael Nadal. The Serbian bounced back by capturing his fourth straight title at Wimbledon.
After establishing the American swing, Djokovic made a victorious return to the tour with a title at the Tel Aviv Open. He continued his good run of form to also sweep the Astana Open crown. His winning ways ended in defeat Holger Rune in the final of the Paris Masters.
Djokovic closed the season on a high with a triumph at the ATP Finals. Although not adhering to the vaccine mandate cost him the chance to win a few high-profile events, he still had the last laugh with a successful year.
Edited by Rohit
