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Novak Djokovic US Open 2021

Brother slams ‘criminal’ Novak Djokovic treatment in ‘greatest sporting scandal’


Djordje Djokovic believes that his brother Novak has been unfairly held and teated as a “criminal” after his exemption was questioned and visa cancelled. 

The defence of Djokovic and his attempts to compete at the Australian Open have developed into a fully fledged family affair.

Brother and fellow ATP pro Djordje and father Srdjan have both spoken out against the detention of Novak in Australia and rejection of his medical exemption.

Djordje described the debacle as “the greatest sporting and diplomatic scandal’ before pointing out that Novak was not the only player granted such an exemption.

“He had the same document as several tennis players who are already in Australia,” Djordje Djokovic said during a press conference along with father Srdjan at the Novak restaurant in Belgrade, Serbia.

“Novak and his team had no way of contacting federal authorities. The only way to make contact was via Tennis Australia, as they have a partner relationship with the authorities. Novak didn’t apply, Tennis Australia did.

“He was treated like a criminal while he is a healthy and decent man and a sportsman who has not endangered anyone’s life and has not committed any federal or legal offence.”

Moreover, not only did Srdjan compare the predicament of Novak to the crucifixion of Jesus, but he directly addressed Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

“You, famous Prime Minister of the faraway naturally beautiful country, are behaving according to your own principles, which have nothing to do with us and our principles,” he said.

“We are humans, and you, sir, are not.”

Morrison confirmed the official stance that Djokovic did not provide “appropriate evidence” of his medical exemption at border control, leading to his detention and the cancellation of his visa.

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