Novak Djokovic just can’t stay out of the spotlight. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is making headlines lately, and it’s not just for his tennis. After a disappointing exit from the Australian Open, where he had to withdraw due to a hamstring injury sustained in the quarters, Djokovic struggled to regain his footing. He faced first-round exits in his next tournaments at Qatar and Indian Wells, sparking debates about the GOAT’s prowess on the court. However, as he enters Miami, it seems he has made a recovery, advancing into the second round of the Sunshine Double. But looks like his off-court activity has got fans in a pickle.
Last week, the PTPA, co-founded by Novak in 2020, filed a class-action lawsuit against the ATP, WTA, ITF, and ITIA in federal court in New York. They allege that these governing bodies operate like a “cartel.” The lawsuit addresses grievances such as unfair revenue distribution, restrictive ranking systems, and inadequate player welfare measures. This stirred mixed reactions from players and fans alike. Some support the lawsuit, while others, like Carlos Alcaraz, openly admit they do not.
Now, Nole has sparked yet another controversy with his recent social media appearance. On March 23, American politician and environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy shared an image on X alongside Djokovic. Dressed in tennis attire, the two smiled as the caption read: “Novak Djokovic. First in tennis. First in integrity. First in courage. Guess who won this match?” While this light-hearted prompt referred to a casual tennis session between the two, fans couldn’t help but share their unfiltered thoughts.
Novak Djokovic. First in tennis. First in integrity. First in courage. Guess who won this match? pic.twitter.com/v7JmM8bSAB
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) March 23, 2025
Some expressed surprise at seeing them together, while others noted their shared views on the anti-vaccination debate. This connection has resurfaced Djokovic’s controversy from 2022 when he was deported from Australia for not taking the COVID vaccination. Once again, this issue is at the forefront of discussions among fans and critics alike.
Fans have a field day with Novak’s recent match with Robert F Kennedy
Fans have had plenty to say about Novak Djokovic’s recent controversies, especially his social media appearance with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. One fan wrote, “Based. Only unvaccinated tennis player ,” referencing Djokovic’s firm stance on personal choice regarding vaccinations. In early 2022, Novak’s vaccination controversy escalated when he sought a medical exemption to compete in the Australian Open despite strict vaccination rules.
Upon arrival in Australia, his visa was canceled due to entry violations and concerns over unrest linked to his unvaccinated status. This led to a legal battle where a judge briefly reinstated his visa, but Australia’s immigration minister ultimately revoked it again, citing public interest grounds. As a result, Djokovic was deported just days before the Australian Open.
Another fan added, “It’s a bit odd that refusing to take a shot makes us heroes, but here we are Thank you for helping .” While Novak’s COVID vaccination controversy remains a hot topic, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also faced criticism for his skepticism about vaccine safety and efficacy. He has been accused of spreading misinformation about vaccines, including debunked claims linking them to autism and other health issues.
Despite this, Kennedy supported Djokovic during the 2022 Australian Open dispute. When Djokovic told CBS in an interview, “People try to declare me as an anti-vax. I am not anti-vax nor I am pro-vax. I am pro-freedom to choose,” Kennedy echoed him on X, writing, “Djokovic nails it. That’s my position too. Your body, your choice.”
Not everyone was amused by their association. One fan bluntly stated, “It’s actually so easy to hate Djokovic,” reflecting frustration over his repeated controversies. His connection to the PTPA’s recent lawsuit against tennis governing bodies added fuel to the fire. Top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Daniil Medvedev admitted they were unaware of the lawsuit until it went viral on social media. Even Nole commented that he didn’t agree with all aspects of the lawsuit document despite its ties to the organization he co-founded.
Others took a lighter approach, focusing on Djokovic’s outfit during his casual tennis session with Kennedy. One joked, “No fashion maven, here, but brown tennis shoes? lol Looks like a good day. Cheers,” while another quipped, “Would looking at the shoes give us a clue?” The photo showed Djokovic dressed like a professional athlete in sports shoes while Kennedy opted for casual brown shoes—not ideal for an intense game of tennis.
Some fans expressed broader disappointment over their pairing. One wrote, “Yeah no excuses for this it’s giving Shelton and Vivek and Serena and Trump must be nice to be rich,” comparing Novak to Ben Shelton and Serena Williams. For the unversed, Shelton faced backlash after he was seen with Vivek Ramaswamy, who holds controversial views on public health and vaccines. Similarly, Serena Williams has voiced concerns about health disparities affecting Black women but was photographed with Donald Trump, a polarizing figure in discussions about COVID-19 policies.
Despite the off-court drama, Novak is making strides at the Miami Open, advancing to the second round where he will face Camilo Ugo Carabelli on March 23. Can he continue his winning streak and clinch his 100th title amid mixed reactions from fans? Share your thoughts below!
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