Novak Djokovic has denied he's a "fake" and described the notion of freedom of speech as an "illusion" after reflecting on the most tempestuous year of his career.
The Serbian star became embroiled in an explosive visa saga ahead of the Australian Open in January, initially given a medical exemption to compete despite not being vaccinated against Covid-19. But he was detained upon his arrival at Melbourne Airport, and an intense legal battle followed before the star was deported a home a day before the tournament began.
He did then compete in the French Open and was triumphant at Wimbledon, but the Covid-19 issue reared its head again when he was barred from events in Miami and Indian Wells. The 21-time Grand Slam champion then withdrew from the US Open as their travel rules prevented him from entering America unless he got jabbed.
