Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic unusually popped up in a leaked document outlining the reasons that exclusive bank Coutts closed the bank account of former UKIP leader Nigel Farage. The issue has sparked heated debate among ministers after it was raised by Conservative MPs during Prime Minister’s Questions.
Djokovic adopted a strong stance against accepting the Covid vaccine during the pandemic, which saw him deported from Australia and denied entry into multiple tournaments until restrictions on unvaccinated players were relaxed.
Farage showing support for the Serb on social media seemingly played a part in Coutts – the bank used by the Royal Family – controversially closing his account. A 40-page dossier received by Farage also cited his retweet of a Ricky Gervais joke as part of their concerns around being associated with ‘xenophobia and racism’.
According to The Telegraph, the document mentions Farage’s visit to Djokovic’s trophy room in Belgrade, referencing an article which described the former politician’s behaviour as ‘spineless’. And page 38 of the document, which was shown to The Daily Mail by Farage, brings up the 59-year-old’s support for a tweet made by Djokovic in June last year.
“It doesn’t matter how many times you get vaccinated, you can still catch Coronavirus,” wrote the 23-time Grand Slam champion. “This is no longer about health – it’s about state control.”
That tweet was one of 13 considered by Coutts before deciding to close Farage’s account. The bank’s officials said: “The Committee did not think continuing to bank [Nigel Farage] was compatible with Coutts given his publicly-stated views that were at odds with our position as an inclusive organisation.”
Among the MPs left infuriated by the situation is Energy Secretary Grant Shapps who, despite prior clashes with Farage, described the decision as a ‘disgrace’.
Express Sport have approached Coutts for comment.
With Djokovic’s deportation on the eve of the Australian Open now more than 18 months in the past, the 36-year-old was one of the star names at Wimbledon earlier this month as he battled all the way to the men’s final, only to lose to world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz in an epic five-set thriller.
Djokovic, who claims to have always been a ‘great student of wellness, wellbeing, health and nutrition’, periodically taunted the crowd on Centre Court as they cheered for Alcaraz on Sunday.
The veteran was gracious in defeat, however, saying after the match: “I haven’t played a player like him ever, to be honest. Roger [Federer] and Rafa [Nadal] have their own strengths and weaknesses. Carlos is a very complete player. Amazing adapting capabilities that I think are a key for longevity and for a successful career on all surfaces.”
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