Entry drama – Djokovic reports from the hotel for the first time – Ms. Jelena thanks

Christmas is traditionally celebrated in Serbia today. On this occasion, Djokovic’s wife Jelena went public for the first time about her husband’s situation. “Today is Christmas for us, I wish everyone that they are healthy, happy, safe and together with their families,” writes the 35-year-old on Twitter. Ms. Djokovic continues: «We wish we were all together today, but my consolation is that we are at least healthy. And we will grow from this experience. ”

The experience? Novak Djokovic has been in Melbourne since Wednesday evening (local time), where he wants to travel to the Australian Open (starting January 17). But because he is obviously not vaccinated, the 34-year-old obtained a controversial medical exemption before entering the country. However, the border guards did not see the entry rules met, so Djokovic was subsequently accommodated in a hotel for those obliged to leave the country. Djokovic has sued against it. A court in Melbourne wants to decide on Monday. Until then, the Serb is stuck in the hotel.

The situation around the world number 1 in men’s tennis has caused a lot of malice and ridicule in the past few days. In Australia in particular, many have expressed their indignation that a sports star may enjoy special treatment. Others, on the other hand, expressed their support for the “Nole”: be it at home in Serbia, in Melbourne in front of the hotel or on the web. His wife Jelena thanked her with another tweet.

«Thank you, dear people around the world, for using your voice to send love to my husband. I take a deep breath to calm myself down and find gratitude (and understanding) for all of this in that moment, ”she wrote. Novak’s childhood sweetheart continues: «The only law that we should all respect across every single border is love and respect for another person. Love and forgiveness are never a mistake, they are a powerful force. “

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic also devoted himself to his community with Christmas greetings from the quarantine hotel. These are the first words he has published since the immigration drama began. In an Instagram story he wrote: «Thank you, dear people from all over the world, for your continued support. I feel it and I appreciate it. ” He did not provide any further information about his situation at the Melbourne hotel or details of his visa revoked.

This should also mean the two tennis competitors Nicholas Kyrgios and John Isner. Both have spoken out in favor of Djokovic via Twitter. The support from world number 93 Kyrgios is rather unexpected. The Australian had repeatedly approached Djokovic in the past. He wrote: “I have been vaccinated for others and for my mother’s health. But how we deal with Novak’s situation is bad, very bad. “

Djokovic also received support from the tennis players’ union PTPA, which he presides over. Djokovic asked to share “the facts about his determination” in his words and at a self-determined time. “With the greatest respect for all personal opinions on vaccinations, vaccinated and unvaccinated (with a medical exemption) athletes should be given the same freedom to participate in tournaments,” demanded the players’ union.

In August 2020, the Serb founded the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) together with the Canadian Vasek Pospisil, as a competitor to the existing players’ council of the men’s organization ATP.