Novak Djokovic’s wife cheers against Rafael Nadal as Serb’s son makes request

Novak Djokovic has admitted that his wife wanted Rafael Nadal to miss out on Grand Slam glory at the Australian Open after the Serb was deported on the eve of last month’s tournament. Djokovic was prevented from taking part in the first Slam of the new year after he was forced out of the country amid concerns over his vaccination status.

Djokovic was detained shortly upon his arrival in Australia earlier this month before he was released and then detained again due to the government’s stance on his medical exemption to gain entry.

He was eventually forced to return to Serbia after a last-gasp appeal was rejected out of hand, leaving him unable to compete at the first Grand Slam of the new year.

The controversial situation raised plenty of additional questions over whether Djokovic will be prevented from playing at this year’s remaining Majors if he fails to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

He is now behind Nadal in the all-time standings, with the Spaniard clinching his 21st career Grand Slam title in Melbourne in the absence of his long-term rival.

Djokovic admitted in a wide-ranging BBC interview on Tuesday evening that he foud it difficult to watch the Australian Open from home, claiming that his wife was cheering against Nadal while his son was rooting for him during his final match-up with Daniil Medvedev.

“I found it so difficult to watch,” he said.

“I was very neutral, I didn’t cheer for anyone because I wanted to be there so badly. But I was amused by the circumstances.

“My wife was cheering for Medvedev, my son was cheering for Nadal and every point that Rafa would make, Stefan would be jumping around.”

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