Tag: Tennis player

  • Former Australian tennis shuts down trolls for body shaming her

    Former tennis player Jelena Dokic has stood up to trolls for body-shaming her on social media. The ex-player and current commentator has said that her happiness is more important than her size, sharing two pictures of herself on Instagram, one as a young tennis player and another as a commentator.

    In her post, Jelena also shared traumatic experiences of surviving domestic violence and enduring physical and emotional abuse. By doing so, she highlights the impact that such experiences can have on a person’s physical and mental well-being, and brought attention to the issue of body shaming and the harmful effects of societal expectations of size. Her response serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize our own happiness and well-being, rather than conforming to others’ opinions or societal norms.

    “I survived being a refugee twice, I was bullied, I lived in a domestic violence-filled home for 15 years and I was beaten unconscious, I was abused physically and emotionally and got beaten for the first time when I was 6 years, I was called a w** and a cow since I was as young as 11,” she wrote.
    Dokic said that she had to escape from home, battle anxiety, depression, PTSD and trauma and almost committed suicide.

    “I still managed to do pretty well.I managed to be top 5 in the world as a tennis player and a grand slam finalist. I am a bestselling author, commentator and speaker but most importantly I survived. So while you see a weight and size change, I will tell you the difference between these two images.
    The one on the left is a size 4, scared to death, beaten unconscious and that bulge on my shins is from being kicked all night,” she added.

  • Russian tennis player Andrey Rublev writes ‘No War Please’ on camera after Dubai win

    Russian tennis player Andrey Rublev writes ‘No War Please’ on camera after Dubai win

    Andrey Rublev, a Russian tennis player, offered his thoughs on Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine by writing ‘No War Please’ on a camera after reaching the final of this year’s Dubai Tennis Championships on Friday.

    The 24-year-old defeated Hubert Hurkacz in their semi-final meeting and will face either Jiri Vesely or Denis Shapovalov for the coveted trophy later this week.

    Rublev went on to write the message on a nearby camera in the immediate aftermath of his victory in a public display of support for peace in the aftermath of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

    Ukraine was invaded by Russian troops in the early hours of Thursday morning after weeks of tension between the two nations, which finally escalated into a full-scale military operation.

    Rublev’s gesture comes after he initially weighed in on the situation in Ukraine following his quarter-final win over Mackenzie McDonald earlier this week.

    “In these moments you realise that my match is not important. It’s not about my match, how it affects me,” he said.

    “What’s happening [in Ukraine] is much more terrible. You realise how important it is to have peace in the world and to respect each other no matter what, to be united.”

  • Djokovic says he’s not anti-vax ‘but will sacrifice trophies if told to get jab’

    Djokovic says he’s not anti-vax ‘but will sacrifice trophies if told to get jab’

    Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic has said he was not against vaccination but would skip Grand Slam tournaments if he was forced to take the jab against Covid-19.

    Read More – Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic owns biotech firm developing Covid drug

    Djokovic, who is unvaccinated and according to Reuters, was deported from Australia after an 11-day rollercoaster experience involving two visa cancellations, two court challenges and five nights in two stints at an immigration detention hotel where asylum seekers are held.

    “Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay,” the 34-year-old Serbian told the BBC, adding that he was aware that he would not be able to travel to most tournaments in the world currently because of his unvaccinated status.

    The 20-times major champion is set to return to competitive action at an ATP tournament in Dubai next week for the first time since he was deported ahead of the Australian Open, this year’s first tennis Grand Slam.

    Another win at Melbourne Park, where Djokovic has won nine titles, could have taken him to a men’s record 21 major titles, but instead it was his long-time rival Rafa Nadal who stepped ahead by lifting the trophy last month.

    Read More – ‘Proud to share this era’: Roger Federer congratulates Rafael Nadal on winning 21st grand slam title

    Djokovic said he was ready to sacrifice his shot at the milestone over the “freedom of choice” but he was keeping an open mind about taking the jab in the future.

    “I was never against vaccination,” he said, adding that he took vaccines as a child. “But I’ve always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body.

    “I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing, hopefully, an end soon to this virus.”

  • Daniil Medvedev trolls crowd at the Australian Open

    Daniil Medvedev trolls crowd at the Australian Open

    After battling verbally with the chair umpire, crowd and even ball kids during his Australian Open final, Daniil Medvedev wasn’t done.

    The Russian was seen mouthing the words ‘boring’ while standing in the background early in the trophy ceremony after the men’s singles final.

    Tennis Australia chair Jayne Hrdlicka was delivering the opening speech after Rafael Nadal’s five-set win when she began to address Medvedev.

    Medvedev didn’t appear to enjoy the message, pulling faces and turning to the side to say “boring” to no one in particular.

    He then repeated it before muttering something that couldn’t easily be lip-read but quite clearly wasn’t positive.

    The Russian star, while thanking Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley, said: “I want to thank Tennis Australia, especially Craig. I think tournament director is a tough job, and this year, you will be able to tell me if it was the toughest in your career. I think you are an amazing tournament director, and I hope you stay at least 15 years that I am here, or maybe 10 years.”

    By tough, he most likely meant Novak Djokovic’s visa fiasco.

    Medvedev did not have a great time with the crowd of Australia. In his speech after losing the match, he talked about many things but did not thank the Australian Open crowd.

    While talking about the reality of the most testing loss of his career, having already thanked his team during the speech, Medvedev appeared to be building up to thank the crowd, beginning, “Last but not least”, before saying, “just wanted to thank my team again.”

    Twitterati reacted to his trolling.

    Even in the post-match media talk, Medvedev was lamenting about crowd’s behaviour. He said: “Before Rafa serves even in the fifth set, there would be somebody like one guy screaming, ‘C’mon Daniil’ but a thousand people would be ‘Tsss, Tsss, Tsss’. That sound. It’s disappointing, it’s disrespectful. I’m not sure I’m going to want to play tennis.”

    Earlier in the semi-final, Medvedev got involved into a heated exchange with match referree, calling him ‘stupid’ and ‘bad’.

  • Ash Barty beats Danielle Collins to end 44-year wait for home Australian Open Champion

    Ash Barty beats Danielle Collins to end 44-year wait for home Australian Open Champion

    Ashleigh Barty beat Danielle Collins to win the Australian Open title, ending the home nation’s 44-year wait for a Grand Slam women’s singles champion.

    Ace player Barty fought back from 5-1 down in the second set to win 6-3 7-6 (7-2) on a jubilant Rod Laver Arena.

    The 25-year-old Queenslander has won the title without dropping a set in Melbourne this fortnight.

    After winning the 2019 French Open and last year’s Wimbledon title, she now claims three of the four majors.

    The Australian star player thanked all the staff as the ballkids stand on ceremony.

    “It’s been one of my favourite experiences,” said Ashleigh, adding, “this is just a dream come true. I’m so proud to be an Aussie.”

  • Are you stupid? You are so bad’: Medvedev yells at referee in Australian Open semi-final

    Are you stupid? You are so bad’: Medvedev yells at referee in Australian Open semi-final

    Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev sealed his place in a second consecutive grand slam final by beating Stefanos Tsitsipas 7-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 but not without drama after he lost his temper with Jaume Campistol and called him ‘stupid’ and a ‘bad’ umpire during the semi-final clash.

    Medvedev took a close first set in a tie-break but was then broken at 4-4 in the second to hand the Greek an opportunity to level the match at a set a piece.

    As both players headed to the changeover, Medvedev was warned for a “visible obscenity”, after which he started screaming up at umpire Campistol, complaining about Tsitsipas’ father and coach Apostolos talking to him about the match. (Coaching players during a match is banned in men’s tennis.)

    Campistol was unmoved, which enraged Medvedev further.

    “Are you mad? His father can’t talk every point. No, are you stupid? Can you answer my question please? Oh my God you are so bad,” Medvedev added.

    “How can you be so bad in the semi-final of a grand slam. Look at me! I’m talking to you,” he yelled.

    Campistol then called time, to which Medvedev shouted: “what time?”, and then watched as the Russian could not stop Tsitsipas serving out the set.

    “Next time, it should be a code violation. If you don’t [call it], what can I call [you]? A small cat?”

    The US Open champion took himself off court at the end of the set but as he left, once again implored Campistol to do something about what he felt was blatant coaching.

    Medvedev is shooting for back-to-back major titles after upsetting Djokovic in last year’s US Open final.

    Like in New York last September, when he stopped Djokovic from completing a calendar Grand Slam of titles, Medvedev will be trying to derail Nadal’s tilt at making men’s tennis history.

    Spanish star Nadal will be playing against world number two Medvedev in the final of the Australian Open on Sunday.

  • Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic owns biotech firm developing Covid drug

    Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic owns biotech firm developing Covid drug

    Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic owns a majority stake in a biotechnology firm, which is working on a way to immunise people against Covid without a vaccine. The Serbian tennis star has been vocal in his opposition to jabs, and appears to be actively invested in finding a way for others like himself to be protected without the need for a needle.

    It was revealed by Reuters on Wednesday that Djokovic has purchased an 80% share of QuantBioRes, which is headquartered in Copenhagen.

    The firm is working on a way to counter the virus without the need for people to get the vaccine against coranavirus.

    The company’s chief executive Ivan Loncarevic told Reuters that Djokovic made the investment more than a year ago, clarifying that it was not a response to his recent saga in Australia.

    He subsequently told the Financial Times that he had not spoken to Djokovic, who has won more than $150m in prize money, since November and that the tennis star was “not anti-vax”.

    Djokovic travelled to Australia at the start of the month with the plan of taking part in the Australian Open, but was held at the airport in Melbourne over a visa issue.

    Eventually, the day before the tournament began, the Federal Court upheld the Australian government’s decision and deported the world number one tennis player.

    Djokovic, who may also be barred from defending his French Open title in Roland Garros in May after the French government ruled on Monday that all athletes will have to be vaccinated in order to attend and compete in sporting events, acquired his stake in the company in June 2020.

  • ‘Disappointed’: Djokovic reaches Dubai after deportation from Australia

    ‘Disappointed’: Djokovic reaches Dubai after deportation from Australia

    Serbian Tennis Ace Novak Djokovic has been deported from Australia after his visa was cancelled by the Australian government. The dream of his 10th Australian Open title was dusted when an Australian court upheld a government deportation order.

    As per details, three Federal Court judges on Sunday sided with Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision made to cancel the Serb’s visa on public interest grounds.

    Shortly after the ruling, federal agents escorted unvaccinated Djokovic to the airport in Melbourne, where he boarded an Emirates flight bound for the United Arab Emirates.

    The 34-year-old landed in Dubai on Monday morning.

    Before his departure, Djokovic said he was “extremely disappointed” by the Australian court’s ruling, but said he respected the decision.

    “I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open,” he said in a statement.

    “I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love,” he added.

    After landing in Australia, the Serb star fought for his visa for almost 11 days. The tennis ace was participating in the tournament eyeing his 21st Grand Slam Title.

    The country’s immigration minister cancelled his visa on the grounds that Djokovic’s presence in Australia may be a risk to the health and “good order” of the Australian public and “may be counterproductive to efforts at vaccination by others in Australia”.

    Djokovic was scheduled to play his first-round Australian Open match today (Monday).

  • World number one Djokovic wins legal battle to remain in Australia

    World number one Djokovic wins legal battle to remain in Australia

    An Australian judge ruled on Monday that Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic be released from immigration detention immediately, finding the government’s decision to revoke the tennis star’s visa to enter the country was “unreasonable”.

    Judge Anthony Kelly ordered Djokovic be freed within 30 minutes and his passport and other personal documents returned to him, rekindling the world number one’s bid to win a record 21st Grand Slam title at the upcoming Australian Open.

    Kelly, who earlier in proceedings had criticised the hours-long questioning of Djokovic at Melbourne’s airport when he landed on Wednesday, said both the interview and the visa cancellation “was unreasonable”.

    Djokovic was not given enough time to speak to tennis organisers and lawyers to respond fully after he was notified of the intent to cancel his visa, the judge said.

    Lawyers for the federal government told the court the country’s immigration minister was reserving the right to exercise his personal power to again revoke Djokovic’s visa.

    After confirming that such a step, if taken, would bar Djokovic from the country for three years, Kelly warned the government lawyers that “the stakes have now risen, rather than receded.”

    Spokespeople for the minister, Alex Hawke, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

    Djokovic’s plight has been closely followed around the world, creating political tensions between Belgrade and Canberra and sparking heated debate over national vaccination mandates.

    Djokovic, 34, has been held in an immigration detention hotel alongside long-term asylum seeker detainees since Thursday. He was at his lawyers’ chambers on Monday to hear the ruling, which included the government being ordered to pay his costs.

    His lawyers argued that a recent Covid-19 infection qualified Djokovic for the medical exemption from a requirement for non-Australian citizens entering the country to be double vaccinated.

    The Australian government, however, had argued non-citizens had no right of guaranteed entry to Australia and questioned his claimed exemption.

  • Australian judge offers Djokovic ray of hope in deportation fight

    Australian judge offers Djokovic ray of hope in deportation fight

    An Australian judge demanded to know what more Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic could have done to meet the country’s strict pandemic entry requirements, offerring a ray of hope to the detained tennis ace as he fights deportation.

    The 34-year-old world number one arrived in Melbourne last week ahead of Australian Open, hoping to win a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.

    But guards at the Melbourbne’s Tullamarine Airport decided the unvaccinated star had failed to present a solid medical reason for not being vaccinated.

    Djokovic’s visa was revoked and he was moved to an immigration detention facility pending deportation.

    In an emergency online court hearing Monday, Federal Judge Anthony Kelly listened to extended legal wrangling about the process, before jumping to the 34-year-old’s defence.

    Declaring himself “somewhat agitated”, Kelly said Djokovic had provided evidence from “a professor and an eminently qualified physician” about a medical exemption.

    “What more could this man have done?” the judge demanded.

    The proceedings were being watched live and anti-vaccine activists shared a link to the livestream, defying a court order by broadcasting the proceedings live on YouTube.

    Eventually, the judge pressed ahead without a public livestream, and Djokovic’s team of top lawyers made his case.

    The Australian Open gets under way in just seven days, and the nine-time defending champion’s participation now entirely depends on whether Judge Kelly believes the government acted improperly in revoking his visa.

    Most foreigners are still banned from travel to Australia, and those granted entry must be fully vaccinated or have an exemption like “acute” illness.

    Meanwhile, much of Australia is tightening restrictions to battle an Omicron-fuelled wave of infections.

    As per reports, the country is now approaching 100,000 cases a day, having been virus-free for much of the pandemic.