Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic blasts ‘lying’ Australian authorities

The Serbian President has lashed out at Australian authorities hours after the Federal Court paved the way for Novak Djokovic’s deportation.

Novak Djokovic and Aleksandar Vucic.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has lashed out at Australian authorities hours after the Federal Court paved the way for Novak Djokovic’s deportation on the eve of the Australian Open.

Djokovic will leave Australia tonight after the 20-time grand slam champion’s legal team failed to overturn Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision to cancel his visa.

The case was heard by a full bench of the Federal Court of Australia on Sunday afternoon which ruled unanimously to deport the Serbian star.

The 34-year-old therefore won’t get an opportunity to defend his Australian Open title, and faces the prospect of being banned from entering the country for three years.

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“They think that they have by this, this mistreatment of ten days humiliated Djokovic, but they have humiliated themselves,” Vucic told a state media outlet.

“Djokovic can return to his country with his head held high.”

Vucic has remained steadfast in his support for Djokovic throughout the drama, calling the earlier detention of the unvaccinated tennis star a “political witch hunt”.

“I spoke earlier to Novak Djokovic after the decision and I encouraged him. We look forward to seeing him return to his country, where he is always welcome,” the president added.

“You saw in the pointless court proceeding how much the prosecution lied.

“They are simply lying. They say there are fewer than 50 per cent vaccinated people in Serbia and officially the number is 58 per cent.

“Don’t forget that’s higher than in many European Union countries. That was a pointless argument, but that’s possible in Orwellian performances.

“Thank you to the Australian people as I am sure they love Serbs. They think they have humiliated Djokovic, but they have humiliated themselves and he can return to his country and look everyone in the eyes with his head held high.”

Aleksandar Vucic, President of Serbia. Picture: Hannah McKay, Pool/Getty Images

Earlier in Australia, Djokovic said he was “extremely disappointed” by the Federal Court’s ruling that upheld the government’s right to rip up his visa over fears he is stoking anti-vaccine sentiment.

“I am extremely disappointed with the ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open,” he said in a statement.

“I respect the Court’s ruling and I’ll co-operate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from Aus.

“I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love. I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament.

“Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me.”

Novak Djokovic will leave Australia tonight. Picture: Tania Lee/AFP

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also released a statement in response to the Djokovic verdict: “The Full Federal Court of Australia unanimously decided to dismiss Mr Novak Djokovic’s application for judicial review which sought to challenge the Minister for Immigration’s decision to cancel his visa.

“This cancellation decision was made on health, safety and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so.

“I welcome the decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe.

“As I said on Friday, Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the result of those sacrifices to be protected.

“Over the pandemic, together we have achieved one of the lowest death rates, strongest economies and highest vaccination rates, in the world.

“Strong borders are fundamental to the Australian way of life as is the rule of law.

“Our Government has always understood this and has been prepared to take the decisions and actions necessary to protect the integrity of our borders.

“I thank the Court for their prompt attention to these issues and the patience of all involved as we have worked to resolve this issue.

“It’s now time to get on with the Australian Open and get back to enjoying tennis over the summer.”

Djokovic was scheduled to get his Australian Open campaign underway at Rod Laver Arena on Monday evening, but Tennis Australia will need to come up with an alternative play schedule for day one. According to ATP, world No. 150 Salvatore Caruso is expected to replace Djokovic in the men’s singles draw.

— with AFP