Novak Djokovic news: Coach hits out at Serbian’s ‘unjust’ deportation

Australian Open

Kevin Palmer
January 21, 2022

Novak Djokovic has been “suffering” since his deportation from Australia last weekend, according to his coach Marian Vajda, but he insisted the world number one will bounce back.

Vajda has been Djokovic’s long-time coach and in an interview with Sport Klub, he broke his silence on the story that rocked tennis in the opening month of 2022.

Djokovic has yet to make a comment on camera about his visa battle with the Australian government, but Vajda admitted the storm his arrival in Melbourne created hit him hard.

“I still don’t understand why they did it to him,” said Vajda. “It was an unhealthy and unjust decision, based on the assumption that Djokovic could do or influence something that has not yet happened.

“I haven’t communicated with him since he arrived in Belgrade.

“It is clear that it hit him mentally, it will hurt him for a long time and it will be difficult to get it out of his head.”

Vajda believes the visa storm will have rocked Djokovic, as he fought in the courts to remain in Australia until his final appeal was rejected last Sunday.

“We wrote to each other, we haven’t spoken over the phone. He used his mobile phone a little,” stated Vajda

“I can’t imagine how he handled it, it must have been a huge suffering. He humbly endured all measures, but what they did to him must mark him. It was a political process.”

“I don’t understand and I don’t understand why it’s important for them to announce this now about the tournaments that will take place in May, when the world doesn’t even know what will happen to the pandemic in a month.

“I know him very well. Novak is strong, resolute and has not yet said his last word in tennis.”

Vajda also expressed is dismay at claims Djokovic could be banned from the French Open, after authorities in France confirmed they will only allow players to take part if they are vaccinated.

“I do not want to underestimate the whole situation, it is serious in the world, but what is the purpose of discussing it now in January? Is it still about sport?”

It remains to be seen whether Djokovic will be allowed into America for the Indian Wells and Miami Masters event in March unless he changes his stance on vaccination, while the French government has hinted he will not be allowed to play at the French Open without taking a vaccine.

Novak Djokovic