Nadal Calls Djokovic Controversy ‘A Circus’

Serbia's Novak Djokovic (L) shakes hands with Spain's Rafael Nadal after winning their semifinal match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, France, on June 11, 2021. Sarah Meyssonnier/Reuters

Spain’s Rafa Nadal called on Monday Novak Djokovic’s COVID-19 vaccine exemption controversy in Australia “a circus” and joked that he would prefer that the world number one tennis player didn’t play at the upcoming Australian Open.

Djokovic was released from Australian immigration detention on Monday after winning a court challenge to remain in the country to pursue his bid for a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.