Tennis stars support Novak Djokovic about being expelled from Australia

No one can mistake Novak Djokovic as the favorite among his opponents on the ATP Tour. But later his visa cancellation and deportation ahead of the Australian Open, the players came to Djokovic’s side in his battle with how the situation unfolded.

“Nole has always been and always will be,” said American John Isner. “He is an absolute legend in my book who has brought so much good to millions of people around the world. This is not correct. “

Former top tennis player Andy Murray also criticized the way the situation was handled.

“I do not like it [Djokovic] being in this situation and I don’t like him being detained,” Murray told the BBC. “The situation is not good for everyone. It feels like everything here went horribly last minute and that’s why it got so messy. Hopefully that won’t happen at other events so that another situation like this doesn’t happen. I don’t want that for Novak, I don’t want that for tennis and hopefully that’s done by now. “

Djokovic, 34, was initially granted a medical exemption for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. However, upon arrival in Australia, the immunity was revoked and he was detained. Djokovic overturned that decision, but Immigration Minister Alex Hawke intervened, leading to the world No 1’s deportation before he had a chance to win his record 21st Grand Slam title.

The situation has completely overshadowed the construction of the league, a fact lamented by the players.

“Honestly, I’m a bit tired of the situation because I believe it’s important to talk about our sport, about tennis,” Rafael Nadal told reporters.

Alize Cornet, the number one tennis player on the women’s side, said on Twitter: “I know too little to judge the situation. What I do know is that Novak is always the first to side with the players. But none of us are on his side.”

Even Nick Kyrgios, who has criticized Djokovic in the past, posted a facepalm emoji in response to the situation.

Salvatore Caruso, the world number 150, will take Djokovic’s place in the draw as the Lucky Loser and compete on Monday.