Throwback: Novak Djokovic criticizes Naomi Osaka for not following proper protocol

Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia earlier this year, mostly due to his refusal to get the Covid vaccine but it wasn't too long ago that the World No.1 was quick to criticize Japanese tennis superstar Naomi Osaka for refusing to take part in press conferences.

After being deported from Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open, the Serbian stressed that he is not against vaccination but believes in an individual’s right to choose. Speaking to the BBC, the Serbian revealed he would sooner sacrifice winning more trophies rather than be forced to get a Covid-19 vaccine. 

“Yes, that is the price that I’m willing to pay,” he stated.

However, during last year's French Open, Naomi Osaka became embroiled in controversy when she announced she would not be conducting her mandatory media assignments. The four-time Grand Slam champion said she often felt people had no regard for athletes mental health and that this rings true when it comes to press conferences.

Several players were questioned on their thoughts regarding Osaka’s decision and Djokovic stressed that he felt she should be compelled to take part in media duties like everyone else.

“I understand that press conferences sometimes can be very unpleasant,” he said. “And it’s not something that you enjoy, always, you know, especially if you lose a match or something like this.

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“But it is part of our sport, it is part of what we do, the media is important without a doubt. It is allowing us to have the platform to communicate with the fans but in a more traditional way. It used to be the only way we could reach out to our fans."

Osaka was fined $15,000 and threatened with expulsion from the competition. The Japanese star subsequently withdrew from the event, citing mental health issues. Later that year, Osaka also withdrew from Wimbledon and announced her hiatus from tennis after she failed to defend her US Open title.

The 24-year-old has returned to the sport now and reached the third round of the Australian Open in January. Meanwhile, Djokovic’s future calendar this year is likely to depend on which tournaments will permit him to play without proof of vaccination.