Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic (L) shakes hands with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic as he arrives for a meeting in Belgrade on February 3, 2022. - The 34-year-old world number one was unable to play in the Australian Open after being deported over Covid-19 vaccination issues, despite initially receiving an exemption from officials based on an positive PCR test weeks ahead of the tournament. (Photo by Andrej ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images)
Novak Djokovic thanks Serbian president for legal support during Australian Open controversy
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have been warned by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić over his nation’s sporting hero Novak Djokovic.
The World No. 1 was deported ahead of the Australian Open after failing to obtain a visa due to his vaccination status. Djokovic said that he “never felt alone” while in detention thanks to the support he received globally.
“I am very grateful for your acts that also put you in a troubling political position in international relations,” Djokovic told President Aleksandar Vucic on Thursday.
“I will remember that for a long time.”
President Vucic defended his Serbian star and spoke about his Grand Slam record in the coming years. He said,
“My plea to you… We all hope you will overtake Nadal and Federer. Didn’t know who to support in the final, we supported Medvedev a bit, but you have been the best for years and years, no one will be able to overtake that.
“We are ready as a state to help the future of tennis. We will not have Djokovic in 20-30 years, but some new children should defend the flag.” (h/t Express). Djokovic will now look to begin his season at the ATP 500 Dubai Open.
Djokovic was on course to win all 4 Grand Slams in 2021. His run was ended by Russian Daniil Medvedev, who claimed his maiden Grand Slam at the US Open.
This year around, Djokovic will also have his work cut out to retain his World No. 1 ranking. The Serbian is only 850 points ahead of Medvedev, with title defenses in Paris and London. Nadal, meanwhile, will be the frontrunner to win an unprecedented 14th Roland Garros title in May.
The World No. 1 arrives to arrive in Dubai this month to begin his 2022 season. With 20 Grand Slams to his name, Djokovic is the youngest of the ‘Big 3’. He is the favourite to end up with most Grand Slams at the end of their careers.
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