The Novak Djokovic saga continues, and not just because Australian Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke continues to have the discretion to exercise his “personal power of cancelation” of the visa issued to the tennis player. As things stand, it hangs like a Damocles sword over the head of the latter, who seems to have been given extraordinary leeway by Tennis Australia officials in the processing of his medical exemption. Moreover, latest developments raise questions about the information on which said exemption is predicated.
Through it all, Djokovic is hellbent on competing in the Australian Open. On one hand, his determination reflects the foundation of his competitiveness on the court; even with the crowd almost always against him in the grandest stages of the sport, and even as circumstances seem to place him at a disadvantage, he manages to time and again snatch victories from the throes of disappointment. On the other, it also underscores his seeming detachment from reality; he’s an anti-vaxxer who appears to lend credence to conspiracy theories, overwhelming scientific evidence to the contrary notwithstanding.
If there’s anything Djokovic’s insistence on staying where he isn’t welcome shows, it’s that he has blinders on perennially. And wears these proudly. He cares a lot about public adulation, but wants it on his terms. And if things don’t go his way, he actually wonders why; the reasons, however valid, are lost on him. Which is to say the foundation of his greatness likewise informs his public intransigence. He’s not one without the other — a hero to some, a heel to others.
There can be no questioning the accomplishments Djokovic has carved with a racket in his hands. At the same time, it’s fair to wonder if his other actions wipe the luster off his resume. He’s not merely a player, but a citizen of the world. In fact, he bears even more responsibility to be aware of his influence given his status, and use it for the greater good. The end never justifies the means, and it’s not too late for him to understand why.
Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and Human Resources management, corporate communications, and business development.
