The 2025 Australian Open has started with great expectations, but also with off-court controversies that have sparked debate on social media. It all started when Rafael Nadal, one of the legends of tennis, sent an unexpected message of support to Jamie Delgado, Andy Murray’s coach, after a gesture Novak Djokovic made during a match against Murray.

According to witnesses, Djokovic had a tense interaction with Delgado at the end of a crucial set, where he apparently ignored him as Delgado tried to congratulate him. This incident did not go unnoticed, with fans immediately calling him “rude” and “unprofessional.”

Following the incident, Rafael Nadal posted on his social media:
“In tennis, respect is not only shown to your rivals, but also to those around them. Jamie is a great professional who always gives his all for the sport. He deserves the same respect as anyone else on the court.”

Nadal’s message sparked a wave of support for Delgado, but also fueled criticism of Djokovic. On platforms like Twitter and Instagram, fans accused the Serbian of being disrespectful. Phrases like “Djokovic always has problems with humility” and “Nadal shows once again why he is the true gentleman of tennis” flooded the comments.

In response to the growing controversy, Djokovic responded in a post-match press conference. According to him, there was no intention to snub Delgado:
“I am completely focused during the matches, and sometimes I don’t notice what is happening around me. If Jamie felt offended, I am sorry, but that was never my intention.”

However, his words failed to entirely calm the outrage. For many, his response lacked empathy and was not enough to repair the perceived damage.

Meanwhile, sports analysts say such situations reflect the growing interest in players’ off-court behaviour. Nadal, known for his humility and respect for everyone, has reinforced his image as a role model, while Djokovic is once again facing criticism for his attitude.

This episode of the 2025 Australian Open reminds us that tennis is more than a sport; it is a reflection of values ​​and ethics. Nadal’s words and Djokovic’s actions will continue to be a topic of debate as the tournament progresses.

What do you think about this incident? Was Djokovic really rude or was it all a misunderstanding? Leave us your comments and share this article so that more people can join the conversation.