FIRST SERVE: Good that Novak Djokovic is opening up

Novak Djokovic is a calm person. He does not like to get into needless controversies, that has been his DNA. Off late, though, Nole has been opening up. From the time he put on social media his MRI scan reports for a hamstring tear to speaking about the light three-month dope ban for Jannik Sinner, the Serbian has become more loquacious. It is good in many ways, as he is a clean influencer, someone who commands massive respect.

It was interesting to note, what prompted Novak to post his MRI report. The trigger was an on-air comment from John McEnroe comments on the injury, or, if there was no injury. With Andy Murray as his mentor/advisor/coach, Novak is getting more frank. What began as an experiment at the Australian Open is now developing into a proper, formal relationship between Novak and Murray. The two will be resuming work together and feature in the next two Grand Slams as well – French Open and The Championships at Wimbledon.

Murray as coach brings value. He is more than contemporary and offers Novak so much insight. Perhaps, the advice which Sir Andy is giving Novak in spheres other than on-court tennis is also important. In his worst days when Novak refused the Covid vaccine and was roasted by the Aussies and even banned from entering the USA. Novak stood isolated. Now he has found the courage to open up and speak. He slammed the Aussies before the Australian Open and how they tried to poison him during detention, a few years ago. That was scary, indeed.

And then came the hamstring tear at the AO in January and how he had to hobble off the court. This has become a trend, his injuries. But that does not mean he is retiring. At 37, he still puts in awesome effort. Not many can do it. Its more than hope, he is wishing to win at least one more Grand Slam in 2025, after a blank year in 2024. Of course, he won the Paris 2024 Olympics gold.

On his own partnership with Murray, Novak Djokovic has opened up and said it is going to be important for the next two big events. When he returns to competitive tennis and takes on the field, minus Sinner for three months can also be interesting. The way Sinner and WADA have been roasted is good. The deal done has shook the very edifice of anti-doping.

Novak has also spoken on the same, how a three-month ban is not enough. As someone who faced worse, banished from two Grand Slams for no Covid vaccine, that was awful.  To not take a jab and be punished looks so strong in comparison to Sinner flunking two dope tests and then using lawyers to strike a deal with WADA. Obviously, the tennis world is seething with rage even now. Maybe, when Sinner returns, he will feel the heat more. Those who kept quiet are going to slam him harder.

If speaking out is a mind-game, Novak has also got to use it. He seems to have begun it, for a change. Keeping quiet when not guilty is not good. To speak up costs nothing. Sports fans respect champions and Novak has always been the epitome of someone courteous. So, it’s a welcome change, from silence to voicing his views. A good influencer is much needed in the sports society. Fans are indebted to Novak for calling a spade a spade. Here is hoping, in 2025, Novak will throw more light on all important topics, doping included.