'Just Go Home': Tennis Legend's Savage Assessment Of Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic has copped a serving from one of the biggest names in tennis.

The legendary Martina Navratilova has dished out some rather blunt advice to the world No.1, instructing him to "just go home" following his rather eventful time Down Under.

Despite the countless news headlines and confusion as to what on earth is actually going on, it seems Djokovic looks likely to remain in the country and defend his Australian Open title later this month.

We've heard of alleged Covid breaches, must-do interviews, incorrect visas, vaccine exemptions, court hearings, social media statements and now even positive tests all within the space of a few short weeks.

But 18-time Grand Slam champion Navratilova has now had her say on the developing situation as it looks to reach boiling point.

"It's such a combination of mistakes on everyone's part," she told on Seven's Sunrise.

"The bottom line is, sometimes your personal beliefs have to be trumped for the greater good, for those around you, for your peers."

"You have two choices: get vaccinated or don't go play. It just doesn't add up."

Navratilova admits she has "defended" Novak in the past throughout his career on the court.

But off it, especially in this case, she's refusing to go out to bat for the Serbian star.

Navratilova added: "I've admired his commitment to becoming the best tennis player he could possibly be, I know what it takes to do that, but at the same time, when you want to be a leader in the sport there's a responsibility that comes with that. You're a role model for kids - whether you want to be or not.

Alamy

"It may not be something that you want to do, but numbers are in favour of getting the vaccine to get rid of this horrible infection. So you just suck it up for the team, for the greater good... Australia has sucked it up for a year and half now, but different rules for different folks, right?

"I'm not him. The best thing for Novak to do I think is to say, 'You know what, there are too many mistakes, this not OK, I would be the only unvaccinated player to play in the Australian Open.

"The right thing to do is to just go home. If you pull a hamstring, you don't make a worldwide uproar about it. It's just the right thing to do, but I don't think he will do it because he wants that 21st title."

Multi-million-dollar prize money aside, Navratilova is right, Djokovic is undoubtedly eyeing that coveted accolade of securing 21 Grand Slams.

The 34-year-old is currently level with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 titles each and is the bookies' favourite to successfully defend his Australian Open crown - if he gets to play, of course.

Topics: Tennis news, Martina Navratilova, vaccine, Australian Open, Novak Djokovic, Australia, Covid-19