Novak Djokovic branded ‘king of stupidity’ and ‘too arrogant’ by ex-world No 1

Former world No 1 Marcelo Rios certainly hasn't held back in his criticism of Novak Djokovic – branding him the 'king of stupidity' and 'too arrogant'. The Serb is set to return to the court for the first time in two months at the Monte Carlo Masters this afternoon.

It has been a rough year for the 20-time Grand Slam champion, who has competed in just one tournament in 2022 due to being unvaccinated. Djokovic has been heavily criticised for his stance, which ultimately saw him miss out on the Australian Open, and 1998 Australian Open finalist Rios has now weighed in – and he didn't mince his words.

"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," the former tennis star told the La Tercera newspaper. “I thought the same (initially), but then I started travelling and I had to take it.

"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."

His refusal to get vaccinated caused him to miss the Australian Open as well as events in Indian Wells and Miami, known as the Sunshine Double – tournaments where the tennis legend has enjoyed plenty of success over the years. Despite being the overwhelming favourite to take the title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships back in February, Djokovic was dumped out at the quarter-final stage following a straight sets against Jiri Vesely.

Despite the setbacks, the 34-year-old is no stranger to rising to a challenge and endeavours to use his past experiences to drive his performances in the coming days. "I try to be optimistic in life and consider myself a very optimistic, positive person," Djokovic told reporters ahead of his opening match at the Monte Carlo Masters against Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

What do you make of Rios' quotes about Djokovic? Let us know in the comments section.

"I take lessons available in every experience, particularly in something as large as what happened in January. Once I start playing matches… I will obviously have to deal with everything that probably has been dormant inside and is maybe waiting to come out. I don't feel it has left huge scars that I'm unable to train or participate in tournaments or live my life… far from that.

"But it has been a challenging few months and something I never experienced before. So I will try to use that as a fuel for what's coming up." Should Djokovic progress to the quarter-finals, a potential first match-up with teenage sensation Carlos Alcaraz could be on the cards.

The Spaniard won the his first Masters 1000 title in Miami earlier this month and is already ranked 11th in the world at just 18 years of age. His pushed Rafael Nadal all the way in Indian Wells last month and will certainly give the Serbian a run for his money should they clash this week.

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