“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. To be your own man is hard business. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”In our current world, which is so dominated by malevolent weenies and propagandists who demand conformity, compliance, and obedience, no one has exemplified Kipling’s observation more than Novak Djokovic.
Two years ago, Australian authorities granted him permission to participate in the Australian Open on the condition he could provide a negative COVID-19 test. However, after he flew to the far side of the world and arrived for the tournament, his visa was revoked, and he was placed in a quarantine hotel for four nights. After a judge (who actually understands the law) ruled in his favor, he was allowed out of the hotel and began preparing for the tournament. However, 11 days later, his visa was again revoked per the ministerial discretion of Immigration Minister Alex Hawke on “health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so.” Until then, I’d never heard such a high-ranking legal official in a British Commonwealth country make such a mealymouthed, incoherent statement about such a grave human rights matter. Indeed, this action strikes me as one of the most arbitrary, shameful, and cowardly actions ever committed by a British Commonwealth nation.
Shortly after the Australian fiasco, a BBC reporter indulged in the worst kind of biased posturing in his interview with Djokovic, in which he asked repeatedly if being denied the right to compete in major tournaments was “a price you are willing to pay” for refusing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Djokovic’s calm and firm response, delivered with a friendly smile, is the quintessence of stoic virtue and excellence.
Two years after Australia made itself ridiculous, Djokovic returned to the country to perform yet another systematic dismantling of his competition. While about to serve in a match point against Tomas Martin Etcheverry, an Australian fan heckled him by yelling, “Get vaccinated, mate!” Djokovic’s response is yet another priceless performance.
Bravo, Mr. Djovoic! You are a model of class and virtue. May all young men in the world be inspired by your example, and may your championship reign continue for years to come.