Tennis star Giles Simon believes Novak Djokovic earned 'respect' following his decision to refuse the Covid vaccine.
The Serb opted against getting vaccinated against coronavirus, something that resulted in him being unable to play at the 2022 Australian Open.
Djokovic was widely condemned in many circles for his hard stance but the 24-time Grand Slam winner refused to back down.
He was treated harshly in Australia and deported, with the former world No 1 previously acknowledging that the saga left a deep mark on him.
Tennis star Giles Simon believes Novak Djokovic earned 'respect' following his decision to refuse the Covid vaccine
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Now, as Wimbledon approaches, Simon has recalled the ordeal Djokovic suffered.
And the tennis star has hailed Djokovic for 'being true to himself', even at such a difficult time.
Speaking to RG Media and CLAY, he said: “He was the ‘villain’ early on, but here’s what I admire the most — he’s true to himself.
"For example, refusing the vaccine even if it meant giving up Slam records. He didn’t fake it.
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“In the beginning, he tried to please everyone, get more attention, and that came off as inauthentic. Eventually, he said: ‘This is who I am. I’m Novak Djokovic. Like me or not—I know who I am.’
"That kind of stance earned him respect.”
Djokovic recently admitted that he has struggled with being loved less than rivals such as Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
He described himself as the 'little guy' who was 'never meant to be there', while also insisting it 'hurt him' not to get the same levels of adoration.
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Tennis star Giles Simon has lavished praise on Novak Djokovic as Wimbledon looms
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Simon was keen to remind people, however, that Nadal was previously seen as the villain himself.
“Remember, Roger was the most loved player, maybe ever. And most fans didn’t like Rafa when he showed up," he said.
“But they started liking him more when Novak came on the scene. I’m 100 per cent sure of it.
"Rafa became more appreciated once fans started comparing him to Novak instead of Roger.
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“Novak was already better than most when he arrived, but he was still behind Roger and Rafa.
“I don’t think many people believed he’d surpass them — not even Roger and Rafa themselves.
"So when he started doing it, people didn’t like it. Everyone loved the Roger–Rafa rivalry. They didn’t want a third guy.”
Novak Djokovic will be aiming to win an eighth Wimbledon title this summer
PA
Djokovic is currently preparing to play at Wimbledon, with the tennis icon eager to make more history.
Should he reign supreme, he'd surpass Margaret Court with 25 majors - while he'd also become the oldest Grand Slam champion in history.
Djokovic has appeared in the last two Wimbledon finals, losing both to Carlos Alcaraz.
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