By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, January 16, 2022

Novak Djokovic's deportation will likely create Grand Slam gridlock among the Big 3, says Mats Wilander.

Nadal on Djokovic: No Player is Bigger Than The Event

Hall of Famer and Eurosport analyst Wilander says the trio of judges who voted unanimously to uphold the decision of Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to deport the world No. 1 may prove to be a historic game-changers.



Former world No. 1 Wilander says there is now "a good chance" Djokovic and rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer will remain deadlocked at 20 Grand Slam titles apiece.

"The judge has to realize that maybe he is changing the history of our sport, but what can you do?" Wilander said on Eurosport. "I cannot imagine the state of mind Novak must be in right now plus it’s by far his most favorite tournament – one he has won nine times.

"He’s chasing 21 Grand Slams and this was his big chance to go ahead of Roger and Rafa. To me, now there is a good chance all three will end up on 20 Grand Slams which will be amazing."

Wilander believes the medical exemption saga and deportation Djokovic endured will inspire him to come back strong, the question is: How many tournaments will the Serbian be permitted to play if he stays unvaxxed? Wilander says the answer to that question will be a determining factor in how long Djokovic can hold the world No. 1 ranking.

"I think players think they can beat Novak. But at the same time, you know he is a warrior," Wilander told Eurosport. "He is going to go home, practice, and he’s going to work out and get ready for the hard courts. The big question is whether he is going to be able to travel around the world?

"Could we have a new number one? Well, it’s possible. I think so much depends on how much Novak is allowed to travel, how many tournaments he is allowed to play, and in the end, is he going to have to get vaccinated? His career is on the line and he might have to do something that he doesn’t really want to do."

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