Tennis world weighs in as Novak Djokovic looks to Australian Open

The tennis world has responded to the Novak Djovokic saga, with players issuing the Australian government an urgent direction.

The professional tennis world is calling for “clearer understanding, communication and rules” in the wake of the Novak Djokovic visa fiasco.

The Association of Tennis Professionals said the last few days had been damaging, and moving ahead the focus should be on the upcoming Australian Open.

The world no. 1 was detained last Thursday after his visa was cancelled because he was unvaccinated.

He had initially been given an exemption on the basis of a recent Covid-19 infection, but was taken in for questioning at Melbourne Airport.

After days of back-and-forth and hours in court, a judge ruled that Djokovic’s visa be reinstated.

It remains to be seen whether Immigration Minister Alex Hawke will use “discretionary powers” to cancel Djokovic’s visa on other grounds.

Hours after he was released from detention, Djokovic was back on the court, taking to social media to express his excitement about playing in Melbourne.

I’m pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation. Despite all that has happened,I want to stay and try to compete @AustralianOpen
I remain focused on that. I flew here to play at one of the most important events we have in front of the amazing fans. 👇 pic.twitter.com/iJVbMfQ037

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 10, 2022

The ATP broke its silence on Tuesday.

“Complications in recent days related to player entry into Australia have however highlighted the need for clearer understanding, communication and application of the rules,” an ATP spokesperson said.

“The series of events leading to Monday’s court hearing have been damaging on all fronts, including for Novak’s wellbeing and preparation for the Australian Open.

“Player medical exemption requests are made independently of ATP, however we have been in constant contact with Tennis Australia to seek clarity throughout this process.

“We welcome the outcome of Monday’s hearing.”

Rafael Nadal joked that on a ‘personal level’ he would rather Novak Djokovic did not play, but said ‘justice had spoken’. Photo: AFP

The statement came after Rafael Nadal – who ties with Djokovic in having 20 Grand Slam singles titles to his name – said justice had spoken.

“Whether or not I agree with Djokovic on some things, justice has spoken and has said that he has the right to participate in the Australian Open, and I think it is the fairest decision to do so, if it has been resolved that way. I wish him the best of luck,” Nadal told Spain’s Onda Cero.

“(But) on a personal level, I’d much rather he didn’t play.”

Nadal had been critical of Djokovic’s outspoken opposition to vaccines, and had previously said his rival’s visa problems were of his own making.

Djokovic was released from detention on Monday after the court ruling and has been allowed to resume training for the Australian Open. Picture: William WEST / AFP

Djokovic’s former mentor Niki Pilic last week said the “whole ordeal” had been “unnecessary” and cautioned the Australian government against defying the ruling.

“Winning the Australian Open under the best circumstances is difficult, but Novak is a champion,” Pilic said, according to Reuters.

“I can’t say what his chances are after what he has endured, but I am sure he will be happy to just be on the court and start preparing for the tournament.”

Former Australian Open chief executive Paul Mcnamee said Djokovic had “had his day in court”.

“He comprehensively won … Let’s respect the court’s decision and move to the other court where sport is played,” he said.

Former Indian tennis pro Somdev Devvarman said Djokovic had set the stage for a phenomenal story.

“Novak vs the world. We’ve seen that before. This is different,” he said.

“If he ends up defending his title and getting to 21 slams, it’ll be one of the greatest tennis stories ever told.”