Expulsion of Djokovic by Australia: the Serbian president denounces “a witch hunt”


Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has supported the world number 1, not vaccinated against Covid-19 and expelled from Australia this Sunday

The Serbian government, sports authorities and many residents protested on Sunday against the expulsion deemed “scandalous” and “political” of Novak Djokovic by Australia, after a long saga around the visa of the unvaccinated tennis star.

“They think that with these ten days of ill-treatment, they humiliated Djokovic,” Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic told the press. “They humbled themselves, Djokovic can come back with his head held high and look everyone straight in the eye.”

The Federal Court of Australia has dismissed the 34-year-old Serb’s appeal against his expulsion, burying his hopes of winning a 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, which begins on Monday. which would have been a record.

“I am extremely disappointed,” reacted Djokovic, adding that he now wants to “take time to (rest) and recover”.

The star boarded a plane for Dubai, but her final destination is currently unknown. His family, very uplifted throughout this affair, once again showed their support.

“We believe he will come out of this stronger and time will show what he has shown so far without a doubt, that he is a great champion and a great man,” his family said.

“Scandalous decision”

The world No.1 was the victim “of a witch hunt in the true sense of the term, against a person and a country”, hammered Aleksandar Vucic, who since the start of the saga has remained firm in his support: “J spoke to Novak Djokovic after the decision and I encourage him. We look forward to seeing him return to his country where he will always be welcome.”

The Serbian Olympic Committee also gave its support to what the country considers an icon: “We are extremely proud of Novak Djokovic and the way he coped with these extremely difficult and unpleasant circumstances”, said the body. in a press release. “Despite this outrageous decision, we believe that Novak emerged victorious again.”

Many locals share this sentiment. “It’s a farce” that “has nothing to do with sport,” said sports journalist Nebojsa Viskovic. “All the criticisms about whether he is vaccinated or not do not hold water”.

“It’s an expected story, politics got involved,” said Risto Mihic, 59. “It allowed Novak Djokovic to become a symbol, the symbol of a certain freedom. If he were a priest, he would be a saint. »

For tennis fan Milovan Jankovic, “the tournament is going to be ridiculous without the defending champion, nine times winner,” added the 57-year-old seller.

“Our small Serbian team here in Melbourne is hurt and disappointed and I think we now have to make an extra effort to, in a way, avenge our best representative who was prevented from being here”, launched Miomir Kecmanovic ( N.78), who was to face his compatriot in the 1st round of the Australian Open.



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