Novak Djokovic has had a career littered with brilliant triumphs and more than a few controversial moments.
Here, we look back on the five times the Grand Slam king of men’s tennis shocked the world.
2020 Adria Tour
This was arguably Djokovic’s craziest moment.
With the world in lockdown, as it came to terms with the Covid-19 crisis, Djokovic arranged a tennis event in Croatia that was played with crowds and in near normal conditions.
Inevitably, players began to get infected with the virus, with Grigor Dimitrov and Borna Coric among those affected.
Images of Djokovic and the players partying in a nightclub added to the controversy, with Djokovic, his family and some close friends all eventually contacting the virus.
“Everything we did, we did with a pure heart and sincere intentions,” said Djokovic. “Our tournament meant to unite and share a message of solidarity and compassion throughout the region.
“We organised the tournament at the moment when the virus has weakened, believing that the conditions for hosting the Tour had been met.
“I am extremely sorry for each individual case of infection. I hope that it will not complicate anyone’s health situation and that everyone will be fine.”
2020 US Open
Djokovic was the strong favourite heading into the 2020 US Open and he appeared to be on the march to winning the title after moving into the fourth round.
His match against Pablo Carreno Busta was then sensationally halted when he hit a ball in anger that struck a female lines person and led to his instant disqualification.
The world No 1 had to forfeit the $250,000 he was due to collect for his run in New York, with the Serbian refusing to speak after the incident as he jumped straight in a car and left the Flushing Meadows site.
“He should have faced up to it and apologised and accepted he made a mistake, but by in essence running away from it, it’s just going to go on even longer,” said Henman.
“We wouldn’t want to see the best player in the world go out of the tournament in these circumstances but you have to be responsible for your actions on the court.”
Djokovic later apologised for the incident.
The Water Theory
Djokovic has been accused of believing in ‘wacky’ ideas and one came up during a podcast when he suggested humans can change the chemical makeup of food and water with their thoughts and emotions.
“It’s the connection that you’re talking about, the innate connection and really being present and being conscious of the moment and being conscious of the fact you’re drinking water,” said Djokovic.
“I’ve seen people and I know some people that, through that energetical transformation, through the power of prayer, through the power of gratitude, they manage to turn the most toxic food or the most polluted water, into the most healing water. Because water reacts and scientists have proven that, that molecules in the water react to our emotions, to what is being said.”
His views were quickly ridiculed on social media, but the straight-talking Djokovic is unlikely to have been concerned by such a negative response.
2021 Tokyo Olympics
Djokovic makes no secret of his desire to secure the Olympic gold medal that has eluded him throughout his career and his frustrations boiled over in his bronze medal match against the same opponent who was present for his US Open disqualification, Pablo Carreno Busta.
His anger at missing out on a gold medal chance saw him turn in a feisty performance against Carreno Busta, with his 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-3 defeat including an incident that saw him throw his racket into the badge of the Olympic rings on the net.
Djokovic’s temper tantrum inspired accusations that he had disrespected the Olympics, but he has insisted he is determined to try and win the one title missing from his collection in Paris next year.
2022 Australian Open
The world was captivated by Djokovic’s aborted attempt to get into Australia, as his refusal to take a Covid-19 vaccine saw him denied entry by border patrol when he tried to enter the country.
Days of legal battles followed as the world No 1 found himself locked in a detention centre as his fate was decided, with the final verdict seeing him thrown out of the country.
Djokovic insisted he had no regrets over a decision that continued to impact his career throughout the first half of 2023, as he was denied the chance to play in America due to their vaccine mandate.