Steph Curry's ex-teammate defends Novak Djokovic's controversial beliefs amid Australian Open crowd's hostile reaction

Former Australian basketball star Andrew Bogut, a key member of the Steph Curry-led Golden State Warriors team that won the 2015 NBA championship, weighed in on the heated social media debate surrounding Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic, who has faced intense scrutiny and animosity in Australia.

Bogut’s remarks followed Djokovic’s semifinal exit from the 2025 Australian Open, where the crowd booed him as he battled through a hamstring injury.

Some of the hostility stemmed from skepticism regarding the legitimacy of his injury, a sentiment echoed by commentators like John McEnroe, who has implied that Djokovic’s medical timeouts may not always be authentic.

READ: Novak Djokovic responds to John McEnroe after American's controversial comments on Australian Open injury

Sharing his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), Bogut wrote:

“He is not well liked for the sole reason he stood up for his beliefs whilst everyone else bent the knee. (Especially in Melbourne). They are still livid about that!”

Djokovic entered the Australian Open semifinals nursing an unspecified left leg injury, later confirmed to be a hamstring issue sustained during his quarterfinal clash with Carlos Alcaraz. He retired after losing the first set in the semifinals against Alexander Zverev on Friday.

Bogut claimed Djokovic’s unpopularity in Melbourne largely stems from his steadfast stance on personal beliefs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Djokovic’s refusal to comply with vaccination mandates resulted in his deportation from Australia in 2022.

Bogut didn’t hold back in criticizing the behavior of Australian fans and media toward Djokovic, describing it as “embarrassing.”

“Between fans and journalists in Melbourne, Australia has done itself no favours this Australian Open with the World watching. Embarrassing stuff,” he said in another post on X.

Steph Curry congratulates Andrew Bogut on FIBA Hall of Fame induction

Andrew Bogut, who left an indelible mark not only in the NBA but also on Australian basketball, was recently inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

During his NBA career, Bogut averaged 8.1 rebounds, 6.1 points and 2.2 assists across 247 games for the Warriors, playing a crucial role in helping Steph Curry and Klay Thompson secure their first championship in 2015, which kickstarted the Warriors’ dynasty.

Reacting to the news of Bogut’s induction, Steph Curry expressed his excitement on Instagram Stories, writing:

“Big time."

Curry and Bogut shared the court in 238 regular-season games during their time as Warriors teammates.