Sergio Palmieri, a former professional tennis player and now the tournament director of Italian Open had some hard words for Novak Djokovic.
Nole arrived in Melbourne with a medical exemption due to Australia’s requirement for visitors to be vaccinated for COVID-19.
He still had his visa cancelled first on arrival and then again on Friday, 14th January. The very important visa was cancelled even after he won a court case earlier in the week.
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Sergio Palmieri, the tournament director of the Italian Open recently criticized Novak Djokovic for his controversial actions in Australia. He compared Nole’s actions to that of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.
Palmieri pointed out the stark difference between them in terms of behaviour and number of controversies to that of Novak.
Sergio Palmieri Thoughts On Novak’s Australian Visa Debacle
Sergio Palmieri thinks that Novak Djokovic is a “controversial character”. He also felt that the Serb’s repeated involvement in controversies has affected his status as a good role model.
Sergio Palmieri was recently speaking to an Italian radio channel, Radio Anch’io Sport. He said, “Novak Djokovic is a controversial character who takes positions risking himself.”
“The fact that he is not a good role model for young people who approach this sport is absolutely true. He has not reached Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal in this.”
Palmieri shared his opinion on Novak’s Australian Visa debacle. He blamed the endure the saga on his counterpart, the tournament director of Tennis Australia, Craig Tiley.
He is concerned for Novak Djokovic and the metal head space in which he is in now.
Palmieri said, “With what happened with Novak in Australia can compromise the mental balance that a great athlete needs to improve or maintain his level.”
“I would not have behaved like the director of the Australian Open. In the first part of the story when the organisation favoured his introduction in Australia, but there was no coordination between the various Australian authorities.”
Palmieri On His Relationship With Djokovic And His Participation In The Italian Open
Radio Anch’io Sport asked Sergio about Novak’s participation in the Italian Open, 2022. He said, as long as Djokovic complied with the rules of the tournament they would not have any problem.
“I have a long-standing relationship with Novak. He has a very strong character, he will overcome this obstacle.” Palmieri has said.
“Whether he participates in the Italian Open is up to him, if he signs up we will follow the rules. If players arrive in good standing, we will have no problem and no reason not to accept it.”
