Self-sabotaging Novak Djokovic deserves criticism, but so do others in this sorry saga | Tumaini Carayol

As one of the most extraordinary days in the history of professional tennis finally came to an end, uncertainty still reigned. Novak Djokovic had started Thursday at the beginning of what would eventually become about 10 hours of waiting and questioning at passport control in Tullamarine airport in Melbourne, before his visa was cancelled and deportation loomed.

Yet his breathless ability on the court is paired with his frequent tendency to self-sabotage. It is often said about the best players that their greatest opponents are themselves but Djokovic takes it to new levels.

It seems unlikely that Djokovic will look at this episode as an opportunity to grow. More often than not, the injustices that Djokovic is perceived to have suffered have the opposite effect, only strengthening his resolve and reaffirming the belief that he is one man up against the world.