The Australian Open opened today (Monday) but the removal of Novak Djokovic from the country continues to make waves in the tennis industry.
Rafael Nadal, who advanced to the second round this morning after winning his first game of the tournament, was interviewed after the game and showed solidarity with his colleague.
"I have never been and will never be against justice. In terms of sports, the best thing is that the best will play in tournaments. If Djokovic had a game, it would have been better for everyone and I can not add that the situation is clear."
The Spaniard added: "I always respected my opponents, so life is easier and you are happier, and with Novak it was the same. I wish him the best, this situation got complicated and he is not the only one who was wrong. I would like him to play."
While the Joker is trying to recover from the blow he received - sportingly and image-wise - the next trouble may already be waiting for him around the corner after France sent a message that if he does not get vaccinated, he will not be able to take part in the next Grand Slam.
Two weeks ago France updated that Djokovic could play even if he was not vaccinated - provided he presented the necessary documents, but now she has changed her mind and announced that all tennis players in the tournament will need to be vaccinated.
Serbs support Djokovic, Photo: EPI
Meanwhile, the winds in Serbia continue to stir as the tennis family continues to discredit Australia and encourage hatred among locals.
"We are very disappointed with the federal court ruling and the fact that Novak should leave Australia," the statement provided to the media, "despite the outrageous behavior towards Novak, we believed the sport would win."
Serbian Prime Minister Anna Barnavic was even more aggressive, saying: "It is unbelievable that we have two completely contradictory court decisions in just a few days' time," she told the English Guardian, "I am disappointed. I think it proved how the rule of law works. "Or it is better to say dysfunctional, in some other countries."
Nadal, this morning in the 1st round of the Australian Championship, Photo: AFP
The Minister of Sports of Serbia - Vanya Odovic - also expressed his frustration on Twitter.
"Nola is the best in the world ever, someone who wrote world history in sports. Everything else is nonsense and shame, absurdity and a demonstration of hypocrisy! Legend, the pride of Serbia, we are with you!"
The President of Serbia, Alexander Vučić, attacked Australia's decision, calling Djokovic's hearing a "farce with a lot of lies".
He added: "They think they have humiliated Djokovic but they have actually humiliated themselves. If they had said that those who are not vaccinated cannot enter, Novak would have been vaccinated or chosen not to come to Australia."
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