Novak Djokovic news: Andy Murray gives his verdict on the latest twist in visa saga

Australian Open
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray

Andy Murray has given his verdict on the unfolding visa crisis involving Novak Djokovic is facing in Australia, as he insisted the problem would end if all players were vacinated.

Murray has enjoyed a long rivalry on the court and a strong bond with Djokovic off it and while he offered some sympathy for the world number one after his visa was cancelled for a second time by Australian authorities on Friday, he insisted rules needed to be followed.

An urgent appeal by Djokovic is being heard in court against the cancellation of his visa by the Australian government for a second time as he faces deportation again after the immigration minister had used his ministerial discretion to revoke.

“It’s not a good situation, I’m not going to sit here and start kicking Novak whilst he’s down,” said Murray

“I said it the other day, it’s not a good situation for anyone. It’s unfortunate that it’s ended up in this sort of situation, and who knows? I don’t know what the process is from now.

“I don’t know what route he goes down, if he can appeal that and how long that takes, and can he still be out practising whilst that process is going on or still competing in the tournament?”

“I just want it obviously to get resolved. I think it could be good for everyone if that was the case. It just seems like it’s dragged on for quite a long time now and it’s not great for tennis, not great for the Australian Open, not great for Novak.

“Obviously a lot of people have criticised the government here, as well. It’s not been good.”

Murray was speaking after he reached his first ATP final in 27 months by beating Reilly Opelka in three sets at the Sydney Classic on Friday.

The former world No.1 appearance in an ATP Tour final will be his first since winning the European Open in Antwerp in October 2019.

Andy Murray Novak Djokovic

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