Novak Djokovic has claimed he did nothing fallacious to deserve his deportation from the 2022 Australian Open, claiming he was “just following the rules”.
After he was deported final 12 months, the Serbian star is the favorite to win the Australian Open which might be a document extending tenth title at Melbourne Park.
But whereas he’s admitted he’s making an attempt to maneuver on from the drama final season, he claimed individuals nonetheless had a fallacious thought of what occurred within the saga.
As far because the world is aware of, Djokovic continues to be unvaccinated for Covid-19 and has been sturdy in his opposition to the jab.
But when he tried to enter Australia hours after touting an “exemption permission” on Instagram, Djokovic’s visa was cancelled.
Then Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed Djokovic by no means had an exemption within the first place which was the start of the lengthy ordeal.
Djokovic received a courtroom case which overturned his visa cancellation however then Immigration Minister Alex Hawke cancelled his visa “on health and good order grounds”.
The Serbian then claimed he was singled out after others had been in a position to enter the nation.
“(There were) two or three more people that came into Australia 10 days before I did with exactly the same exemption that I had,” Djokovic mentioned in an interview on Channel 9.
“I was just following the rules. My exemption was verified by an independent body and panel of doctors.
“I came in with all the valid papers. Everything got out of hand and then I was labelled this or that.
“All of a sudden, I became the villain of the world which was obviously a terrible position to be in as an athlete and someone who is looking to thrive in its own direction of life and profession.
“And it (the saga) was so big in the media that I could not fight that, and I didn’t want to get into that.
“(With) the amount of pressure and craziness going around, I just wanted to go out and go back home.”
Czech doubles participant Renata Voracova participated in an occasion after arriving in Australia however was deported after her visa was cancelled over her vaccination standing.
Another particular person was reported to be an official related with the match, who was additionally deported.
Djokovic mentioned he didn’t maintain any grudges towards the Australian individuals and that he stayed out of the highlight when he arrived residence.
“(There was) a not great narrative in the media about me at all, and I just stayed for several weeks at home,” he mentioned.
“I didn’t really go around too much, I just hoped that the situation could calm down, which it did.
“But the traces stay there. The traces followed for several months after.”
Djokovic had a largely heat reception on the Adelaide International with Daniil Medvedev mocking his hamstring harm seemingly the largest backlash he confronted from packed stadiums.
However Australian Open boss Craig Tiley has warned rowdy followers they’ll be kicked out in the event that they make Djokovic a goal.
Djokovic’s hamstring harm could also be worse than first thought as properly, as he obtained therapy throughout a follow match towards Medvedev.
