CNN
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In his pursuit of greatness, it has been properly documented that Novak Djokovic has left no stone unturned.
From altering his food regimen to incorporating meditation into his coaching, the Serb is continually looking for that additional edge to enhance his probabilities on the tennis courtroom.
His newest efforts, nevertheless, have drawn criticism.
In a video posted on social media, Djokovic’s physio Ulises Badio is seen getting ready a drink within the stands throughout Saturday’s semifinal win over Stefanos Tsitsipas on the Paris Masters.
Badio is then shielded by two different males as he finishes getting ready the drink, earlier than handing it to a ball woman to cross onto Djokovic.
The incident has been described as wanting “amazingly dodgy” and “weird” by two journalists on Twitter.
Nevertheless, Djokovic’s spouse Jelena has launched a vigorous protection of the 21-time grand slam champion on social media.
“I don’t see something dodgy,” Jelena Djokovic wrote in a single reply. “In reality, I see individuals making an attempt to be non-public about their enterprise in a world the place everybody looks like they’ve each proper to level a digital camera at you every time they need.
“Apparently, wanting/making an attempt to be non-public makes you dodgy these days.”
In a single Twitter interplay, a person steered Djokovic rent a PR company to assist keep away from these kind of backlash, an concept which was given quick shrift from the tennis star’s spouse.
“He’ll discuss when he is able to discuss,” Jelena replied. “This complete nonsense about making individuals talk about one thing they aren’t prepared as a result of OTHERS are unpatient (sic) is absurd.
“Sit a bit in silence. Thoughts your self extra. Not every part you see is controversial. It may very well be non-public. Is that allowed?”
Djokovic was ultimately defeated by unseeded Danish teenager Holger Rune 3-6 6-3 7-5 within the ultimate of the Paris Masters.
It’s not the primary time Djokovic has drawn curiosity over a drinks bottle.
Throughout his victorious Wimbledon run earlier this 12 months, Djokovic was seen inhaling from a drinks bottle. When questioned about it within the post-match press convention, the world No. 8 laughed it off and stated it was a “magic potion.”
“It’s going to return out as one of many complement, let’s say, traces that I’m doing proper now with drink and some different issues,” he stated.
“You’ll attempt it and also you’ll let me know the way it feels. You would possibly win Wimbledon.”
With January’s Australian Open quick approaching, it stays unclear whether or not Djokovic, who’s unvaccinated in opposition to Covid-19, will be capable of compete.
He’s at present banned from re-entering the nation till 2025 after being deported earlier than the beginning of the match earlier this 12 months.
Final month, Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley stated he wouldn’t attempt to persuade the Australian authorities to permit Djokovic to compete within the match.
“At this level, Novak and the federal authorities must work out the state of affairs after which we’ll observe any instruction after that,” Tiley informed reporters.
“It’s not a matter we will foyer on. It’s a matter that positively stays between the 2 of them after which relying on the result of that we might welcome him to the Australian Open.
“(Djokovic) stated that he’d clearly love to return again to Australia, however he is aware of it’s going to be an final determination for the federal authorities.
“He’s accepted that place. It’s a personal matter between them however we’d wish to welcome Novak again – he’s a nine-time champion – supplied he will get the best entry necessities into Australia.”