The 20-time Grand Slam champion was deported from Australia days prior to the start of the Melbourne Major for non compliance with vaccination requirements. The Serb’s visa into the country was sanctioned twice, but was eventually canceled by the Immigration Minister in the interest of the public

The Federal court of Australia upheld the decision after a protracted legal battle, ensuring that the three-time defending champion and top seed would not participate in the tournament. Speaking in an exclusive with Sport Klub, the Serb revealed that it was because of his mistreatment that he wanted the opportunity to explain his side of the story.

The 34-year-old pushed back against criticism that he had politicized the entire situation, noting that he had, in fact, done the opposite. He reminded everyone about how he had remained silent until the tournament ended, a clear sign that he respected his colleagues enough to not politicize anything.

An emotional Djokovic further claimed that the only reason he wanted to play at Melbourne Park was because it was where he had been most successful. For reference, the Serb has won the tournament a record nine times.

Novak Djokovic declared that it was an ordeal he could never forget but understood that it was one he had to accept anyway and move on from. What he refused to do, however, was give the idea that he was running away from questions about his decisions.

The interview with Sport Klub is the second exclusive the World No. 1 has given since the visa fiasco. The first one came with the BBC last week. The 20-time Grand Slam champion disclosed that it was a deliberate decision on his part.

Djokovic remarked that the BBC were one of his most vocal critics during his time in Australia, and that was why he gave them a free reign with all the questions they wanted to ask. It was his way of proving to his detractors that he had nothing to hide.

“I did everything that was asked of me. I was in a position like any other tennis player” - Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic made it very clear in the interview that he did not receive any special concessions because of his stature. The World No. 1 claimed that he made use of the same provisions as everyone else to get the medical exemption, the basis on which he was allowed to participate in the Australian Open in the first place.

He referred to Renata Voracova and Filip Serdarusic, who had initially been allowed to enter Australia but were later deported just like the Serb. The 20-time Grand Slam champion pointed out that they had no problems until his arrival, implying that he had been singled out as the scapegoat.

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