Andy Murray has reacted as Tennis world number one, Novak Djokovic continues to be held up in an immigration detention facility in Australia.
Djokovic travelled to Australia with a medical exemption from getting the Covid-19 vaccine, as his team claim he tested positive in a PCR test on December 16.
However, upon arriving in the country the tennis star was ordered to leave due to issues with the exemption on the visa which he applied for, which has prompted a legal battle against his deportation.
According to Murray, the uncertainty over Novak Djokovic’s situation ahead of the Australian Open despite him being the defending Australia open champion, is ‘really bad’ for tennis.
Murray says he has not yet spoken to Djokovic, the nine-time Australian Open champion but has expressed his sympathy.
Speaking ahead of the Australian Open, Murray told reporters in Melbourne:
‘I think everyone is shocked by it to be honest. I’m going to say two things on it just now.
‘The first thing is that I hope that Novak is OK. I know him well, and I’ve always had a good relationship with him and I hope that he’s OK.
‘It’s really not good for tennis at all, and I don’t think it’s good for anyone involved.’
Following his arrival into Australia, Djokovic was sent to a deportation hotel in Melbourne for refugees and asylum seekers.
Djokovic will have his legal case heard on Monday while his fans have been seen gathering in large numbers to protest his treatment in Melbourne.
Djokovic’s legal team claimed in recent days that he was subjected to an eight-hour ordeal in which airport security refused to let him sleep, denied him time to speak to his lawyers and unlawfully cancelled his visa.
Djokovic will be eager to bring a quick end to the issue as he is looking to surpass Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal with his 21st Grand Slam title in Melbourne later this month.
Discussion about this post