Novak Djokovic backed amid visa fiasco by pro – ‘Australia doesn’t deserve a Grand Slam’

Novak Djokovic ‘made situation worse’ says Jo Durie

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Novak Djokovic has received the backing from fellow tennis player Tennys Sandgren. The American has slammed Australia for refusing to allow the Serbian into the country and believes they should not be allowed to host their grand slam in the future.

He took to Twitter to defend the world number one, whose visa was rejected by the border authorities at Melbourne airport.

“Just to be crystal clear here, 2 separate medical boards approved his exemption and politicians are stopping it,” he wrote.

He ended his tweet with a bold remark whch read: “Australia doesn’t deserve to host a grand slam.”

Australia has a policy of players needing to be double vaccinated if they want to participate in the Australian Open.

Sandgren himself is not vaccinated and therefore will not participate in the event.

JUST IN: Novak Djokovic pictured for first time inside airport as Australian officials reject visa

The world number 96 reached the quarter-finals of the tournament in 2020, where he came agonisingly close to defeating Roger Federer before succumbing in five sets.

In light of the recent events, the Australian Border Force (ABF) has since released a statement.

“The ABF will continue to ensure that those who arrive at our border comply with our laws and entry requirements,” it read.

“The ABF can confirm that Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled.”

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Djokovic was unable to enter the country following his team’s error regarding a visa application.

Now he is on the verge of being deported, but with his team due to appeal the decision, the Serbian will not hear his fate until Monday.

Until then, Djokovic will be held at the quarantine Park hotel in Carlton and was seen being transported there in a silver Volkswagen van in the early hours of the morning.

Tennis Australia claimed on Thursday that other players who are due to play in the Australian Open have been allowed into the country after contracting COVID in the past six months, using the same exemption that Djokovic applied for.

Therefore, Border Force are set to launch investigations into the other players following the furore around the nine-time Australian Open champion.

“I’m aware of those allegations, and I can assure you that the Australian Border Force is investigating that now,” Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said.

“ABF needs the opportunity to be able to conduct its investigation. But if the evidence is not there, then they will take the appropriate action.”

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