Gabe Jaramillo

Roger Federer is known as "His Majesty of Him," Rafael Nadal as "El Matador," and Novak Djokovic as “The Djoker." These three tennis aces have dominated the sport for 15 years. From this trio recognized as the Big Three, the best racket of all time was bound to come out.

Before the Australian Open, the big three were tied with 20 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic is considered the best hard-court player of all time, having won three US Opens and nine Australian Opens. Clay is his favorite surface, and he has won the French Open twice. Playing on the grass at Wimbledon, he has won the top honor six times. Therefore, we deduce that Australia would have been the tournament that gave him more options to reach the number twenty-one Grand Slam.

The arrival in Melbourne was an Odyssey that was followed in detail by lovers of this sport, all because of Australia's health protocols. During those days before the event, when Djokovic was confined in a hotel awaiting the ruling of the immigration judge, the international press gave hope that if they approved the entry visa, the Djoker could defend his title. But as we all know, he was denied entry to the country, and Nadal dragged with the crown, making him the player with the most Grand Slams, twenty-one.

This week we learned that Djokovic is clinging to his principles of individual freedom. He believes he and only he is responsible for the decisions that affect his life, including health. As a result, he won't share the information if he has been vaccinated or not against Covid-19.

Consequently, he would be out of the French Open and Wimbledon. From this perspective, some people applaud him for his courage in clinging to the importance of the individual's freedom, putting fundamental rights above his career and his legacy.

However, there is the other side that calls him selfish and an egomaniac. Countries have resorted to isolation and vaccination in the hope of saving lives by avoiding contamination.  People are against Djokovic's decision so far because they blindly believe that it is essential to follow the steps mandated by public health statutes to mitigate the spread of the virus.

While some people may point out that athletes must use their platforms to express their opinions about the ruling classes, some firmly believe that sport is pure and that athletes should stay away from these in-class debates. 

It is a false dilemma. When athletes get involved in these debates, they open a divide, even among their followers. As is known, tournaments spend a considerable amount of money, and for them to be attractive, the quality of players must be exceptional. From the sponsors to the spectators, that poster player is what sells. So, the athletes have a tremendous responsibility within the sport. 

Without a doubt, Djokovic is the best player in the world. While Federer and Nadal are on their last legs, the Djoker has many years to beat all the records, winning more Grand Slams than any other player. When Sampras set those records, it was said that no other person would achieve such a feat. However, he has already been surpassed by three players who have won on all surfaces. 

But I am sure that it will take a long time for a player to beat the marks set by these three magnificent tennis players.

What decision will Djokovic make? What laws will govern tournaments and other countries?  Only time will tell. Meanwhile, we will be eagerly awaiting Djokovic's return; imposing his magic and going down in history as the best of all times.

About the Author: A renowned International Tennis Coach, Jaramillo is Senior Executive Vice President, Director of Tennis Training at Altitude International Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: "ALTD") and serves on its Board of Directors.  ALTD International is redefining the wellness industry by strategically combining technology, science and education to advance and build elite athletes around the world. Jaramillo worked with and developed many of the greatest players in tennis history, including training 11of the world’s No.1-ranked players and 27 top-10 players, such as Andre Agassi, Jim Courier, Pete Sampras, Maria Sharapova, Monica Seles and Kei Nishikori.