Novak Djokovic has been labelled the "king of stupidity" by former World No 1 Marcelo Rios over the Serb’s vaccination stance following a tough year for him.
Tennis' world No 1 has only made one tournament appearance in 2022, playing just three matches at an event in Dubai in February. His season got off to the worst possible start when he was deported from Melbourne - ensuring he missed out on a 10th Australian Open title.
Djokovic has also been barred from competing at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, as he is still yet to get vaccinated against Covid. His absence this year has benefitted rival Rafael Nadal, who secured a 21st Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park, to move clear of Djokovic and Roger Federer for the most men’s singles titles in history.
The 34-year-old also temporarily lost his status as world No 1 to Daniil Medvedev, although the Russian’s turbulent form saw Djokovic snatch the ranking back. Regardless, his decision not to get vaccinated remains a sticky subject ahead of his return at the Monte Carlo Masters.
Fans and critics alike fear Djokovic could derail his legacy amid his vaccine stance as he cannot enter several tournaments due to his status. Former World No 1 and 1998 Australian Open runner-up Rios is the latest figure in the sport to vent his frustrations over Djokovic.
“It’s stupid, he is going to give up the race and he is not going to be the best in history because of a vaccine,” Rios told the La Tercera newspaper . “I thought the same (initially), but then I started travelling and I had to take it.
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“I don’t know what the reason is, but if you’re trying to be the best in history and you’re going to give up the race for some vaccines, you have to be the king of stupidity. I believe that at first it was out of fear, but now he is being too arrogant.”
Djokovic attended a press conference ahead of the Monte Carlo Masters, and revealed he has probably lost his edge after being sidelined for the majority of the first four months of the season. The Serb believes he will need some matches to get into the swing of things.
“I understand that I probably won’t be at my best at the beginning of this week,” added Djokovic. “I am still testing my engine, so to speak, and building my game, so it will take obviously some time, some matches to really get in the groove and find the competitive play that I really need.”
Despite his off-court distractions, Djokovic declared his intentions to add to his collection of Grand Slam titles as he tries to hunt down Nadal. The French Open is his next opportunity to add further silverware - and he is the defending champion.
“I still feel motivated to be on the tour and compete with young guys and try to challenge the best players in the world for the biggest titles,” Djokovic - who won in Monte Carlo in both 2013 and 2015 - said. “I’m very pleased to be here and Monaco has been home for over 10 years.
“I have been eagerly waiting for the moment when I will be out competing again, so this is the best place where I could possibly start.” Djokovic will face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the opening round at the Monte Carlo Masters.
