Australian Open: Tennis Australia says it deeply regrets impact that Novak Djokovic saga had on players

By John Sinnott, CNN

The organizer of the Australian Open says the organization deeply regrets the impact that the Novak Djokovic saga has had on players competing in the first grand slam of the tennis season.

Djokovic arrived back in Serbia’s capital Belgrade on Monday after his deportation from Australia ended the world No. 1 tennis player’s hopes of playing in the Australian Open.

The unvaccinated Djokovic was deported after losing his court challenge against the Australian government’s decision to cancel his visa on public health and order grounds.

“We would like to make clear from the outset that we respect the decision of the Immigration Minister and the finding of the Federal Court of Australia over the weekend,” said the Tennis Australia statement, which made no mention of Djokovic’s name.

“Tennis Australia has been working closely with both the Federal and Victorian government for the past year to deliver a COVID safe Australian Open for the players, staff, and fans.

“Embarking on a major international sporting event during a global pandemic that continues to evolve and challenge us all, is profoundly demanding for all stakeholders.”

‘Lessons to learn’

Under current Australian laws, all international arrivals are required to be vaccinated against Covid-19 unless they have a medical exemption.

Djokovic said he was under the impression he could enter because two independent panels associated with Tennis Australia and the Victorian state government had granted him an exemption on the grounds that he had been infected with Covid-19 in December.

The federal government argued that, under its rules, previous infection with Covid-19 is not a valid reason for an exemption.

The Australian Open started on Monday but the tournament’s media day on Saturday was dominated by players being asked about Djokovic.

“As the Australian tennis family, we recognise that recent events have been a significant distraction for everyone, and we deeply regret the impact this had on all players,” added the Tennis Australia statement.

“There are always lessons to learn, and we will review all aspects of our preparation and implementation to inform our planning — as we do every year. That process always starts once the Australian Open champions have lifted their trophies.”

Had Djokovic played and won this year’s Australian Open, he would have secured a record 21st men’s singles grand slam title.

“We, like the players, and all tennis fans here and around the world, are keen for the focus to now be on the game we are all so passionate about,” continued the Tennis Australian statement. “We are looking forward to a brilliant two weeks of tennis ahead.”

The Australian Open ends on January 31.

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