Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated this week that Djokovic, who hasn’t publicly revealed his vaccination standing, “did not have a sound medical exemption” to the vaccination requirement for arrivals into Australia.
“Like these memes, headlines, that is one in every of our nice champions however on the finish of the day, he’s human. Do higher.”
Djokovic, presently tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on 20 grand slam singles titles and hoping to win his 10th Australian Open title in Melbourne, additionally acquired assist from fellow participant John Isner whereas the debacle about his visa continues.
“In fact, I do not just like the scenario that’s taking place. Ultimately, I really feel sorry for him. However on the identical time, he knew the situations since plenty of months in the past, so he makes his personal choice.”
Djokovic’s authorized group has sought an pressing injunction in opposition to the choice to revoke his visa whereas he continues to be held in Melbourne. The nation’s Federal Courtroom has adjourned the choice till Monday on whether or not he will probably be allowed to stay in Australia or be deported, in line with Reuters and public broadcaster ABC.
On Friday, Australia’s dwelling affairs minister Karen Andrews stated Djokovic is “not being held captive” within the nation.
“He’s free to go away at any time that he chooses to take action, and Border Power will truly facilitate that,” Andrews instructed ABC. “It’s the particular person traveler’s duty to make it possible for they’ve in place all the required documentation that’s wanted to enter Australia.”
Andrews’ feedback got here after Djokovic’s members of the family again dwelling in Serbia had protested in opposition to the actions of the Australian authorities.
“They’re holding him captive. Our Novak, our delight. Novak is Serbia, and Serbia is Novak,” Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, stated on Thursday.
“They trample Novak, and they also trample Serbia and the Serbian individuals … They wished to underestimate him, to deliver him to his knees, and never solely him, but in addition our nation, our lovely Serbia.
“We’re Serbs, proud European, civilized individuals. We by no means attacked anybody, we simply defended ourselves.”
Djokovic’s spouse, Jelena, took a extra gentle strategy as she spoke publicly concerning the scenario for the primary time on social media: “I’m taking a deep breath to settle down and discover gratitude (and understanding) on this second for all that’s taking place,” she wrote on Instagram.
“The one regulation that we must always all respect throughout each single border is Love and respect for one more human being.”
Shortly after midnight in Melbourne on Saturday, Djokovic himself posted on Instagram, writing: “Thanks to individuals all over the world on your steady assist. I can really feel it and it’s enormously appreciated.”
CNN’s Sophie Jeong, Niamh Kennedy, AnneClaire Stapleton and Jessie Yeung contributed reporting.
