BELGRADE, Serbia — Supporters of Novak Djokovic in Serbia are appalled after learning that the world No. 1 is once again at risk of being deported from Australia after his visa was revoked for the second time.
Australia’s immigration minister used his discretion to revoke the 34-year-old Serb’s visa on public interest grounds — just three days before the start of the Australian Open. Djokovic is the defending champion of the first Grand Slam tournament of the season and has won a record nine of his 20 major titles in Melbourne.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has accused the Australian government of ‘harassing’ and ‘abusing’ Djokovic and asked if he was just trying to score political points ahead of the next election.
Djokovic’s lawyers have appealed the latest decision in a court in Melbourne. They managed to do something similar last week on procedural grounds after his visa was first canceled when he arrived in Melbourne and spent four nights in a migrant detention centre.
Djokovic initially declined to say whether he had been vaccinated against the coronavirus, but he was granted an exemption from Australia’s strict COVID-19 vaccination regulations to enter the country the first time. He said this week that he was not vaccinated.
If expelled, Djokovic is likely to return to Serbia, where his saga has captured public attention and where he has near-iconic status and unwavering support.
“Why didn’t you send him back straight away or tell him it was impossible to get a visa? Vucic asked Australian authorities in a social media post. Why are you harassing him and why are you mistreating not only him, but his family and an entire free and proud nation.
“Do you need to win elections? Vucic added. Novak, we are with you.”
Djokovic enjoys wide support in the Balkan country.
“I am revolted. I’m angry because I didn’t expect them to treat the best tennis player in the world like that,” Belgrade resident Mila Aleksic said. I think he didn’t deserve this, especially since he represents our country and he is the No. 1 tennis player and the whole world recognizes him as such. I don’t think he deserved to be treated that way.”
Djokovic’s former coach and mentor, Niki Pilic, called the situation ‘shameful’ and said Djokovic was being treated like a ‘criminal’.
“People don’t understand what it means to be world champion, what kind of strength, willpower and morale is needed,” Pilic said. It’s not the end of the world if he doesn’t play the Australian Open… he will play in other tournaments.”
Nebojsa Covic, a former politician and now owner of basketball club Red Star Belgrade, pointed out that the controversy has made Djokovic “a symbol of the free world” no matter what.
“He is a world star, a beacon of individual freedoms. Basic human rights are violated, Covic told Prva TV. Djokovic is the moral winner of the tournament in Australia.”
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Associated Press reporter Jovana Gec contributed to this article.