‘He’s a prisoner’ – Novak Djokovic’s parents weigh in on vaccine row
Novak Djokovic was denied entry into Australia upon arrival on Wednesday after it was revealed there was a mix-up with his visa and is currently staying in a quarantine hotel, but his parents insist he is being kept prisoner.
After the 20 time Grand Slam winner’s team filled out the wrong paperwork for his visa, as they incorrectly applied for a visa without the option of being granted a medical exemption from being required to have the Covid-19 vaccination, the Serbian is being kept in a hotel while he waits for the appeal hearing to the deportation decision on Monday morning.
Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2022
However, his mother and father have both spoken to the media in support of their son and have revealed the conditions he’s supposedly being kept in, with his dad even likening him to freedom fighter Spartacus.
“He’s not in detention, he’s in prison, they took all of his stuff even his wallet – they left him with just a phone and no change of clothes, no where to wash his face,” Srdjan Djokovic told reporters.
“Tonight they can throw him in a dungeon, tomorrow they can put him in chains.
“Novak is the Spartacus of the new world which won’t tolerate injustice, colonialism and hypocrisy – freedom Novak, we’re all with you.”
The reigning Australian Open champion’s mother, Dijana, also spoke to the press about the situation, saying that the Australian authorities want to “clip his wing” due to a “political agenda.”
She also added: “As a mother how do you feel? I’ve felt terrible since yesterday.
“They are keeping him as a prisoner, it’s just not fair, it’s not human.
“I hope that he will win.”
Djokovic has never publicly revealed his vaccination status and has been considered as an opponent of them because of it and due to the medical exemption he declared in order to secure a place at the Australian Open, which isn’t looking quite as secure now.
The world No 1’s fate will be sealed on Monday morning after his appeal hearing, but until then he stays in his quarantine hotel over the weekend.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Danielle Collins baulks at being asked to explain retirement
Danielle Collins has responded to those who question why she has decided to retire from tennis at the end of the current season.
-
Tennis News
‘Novak Djokovic’s problem is psychological’, assesses Roger Federer’s former coach
“Undoubtedly, ‘Nole’ must have fire inside, otherwise he is missing something.”
-
Tennis News
Daniil Medvedev discusses his popularity compared to Carlos Alcaraz as he offers a theory
“For me, the result is the most important, it’s more important than, let’s say, looking good on the court.”
-
Tennis News
Andy Roddick gives honest verdict on Novak Djokovic’s shock coaching split
“I was surprised. You don’t look to make moves in March or April. This has had to be a surprise to both of them.”
-
ATP Tour
Jannik Sinner makes revealing comment on his eyesight after Miami Open win
Jannik Sinner opened up on his use of contact lenses on court.
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova serves up a desperate verdict on Andy Murray’s comeback hopes
Andy Murray is likely to have to wait several days to learn how long he will be sidelined for by the ankle injury he suffered in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Jannik Sinner reveals he has been having Call of Duty sessions with Italian football hero
Jannik Sinner has had some high-profile gaming clashes with Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper.
-
Tennis News
Former British No 1 offers up a theory to explain Novak Djokovic’s shock announcement
Has Novak Djokovic lined up a new coach following his decision to part ways with Goran Ivanisevic?
-
ATP Tour
Novak Djokovic’s bombshell announcement fuels growing doubts over his tennis future
Speculation swirling over Novak Djokovic’s long-term future in tennis after his shock move.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic’s final moments of dominance were hard to spot – can he reclaim his crown?
Novak Djokovic’s reign as the king of men’s tennis appeared to be set to run and run – but the mood has changed.