The reigning champion of the Australian Open has been dealt another hurdle ahead of a title defense, as Tennis star Novak Djokovic has been denied entry into the country due to his visa being revoked in Melbourne.
The 34-year-old has had his deportation delayed until Monday, as with reasoning tied to his vaccination status, he is currently being held in a government detention hotel.
Fellow Open participant Rafael Nadal, who contracted COVID-19 last month, spoke on the issue.
The Grand Slam winner sympathized with Djokovic’s hardships. Still, Nadal maintained that getting not getting vaccinated would and should be met with some pushback:
“He made his own decisions, and everybody is free to make their own decisions, but then there are some consequences. Of course, I don’t like the situation that is happening. In some way, I feel sorry for him. But at the same time, he knew the conditions a lot of months ago, so he makes his own decision.”
He went on to say the Serbian could be playing “without a problem” if he had wanted to, as the issue reportedly can be resolved by clarifying the context of his exemption to border authorities.
It was revealed earlier this week that the tennis star would be granted that exemption for not getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Djokovic promptly reacted to the situation on Twitter, expressing his excitement about the new year and the upcoming competition.
With the uncertainty of his whereabouts looming, the event takes place on January 17th.
Djokovic banned upon entry in Australia
