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Novak Djokovic Miami Open 2019

Novak Djokovic set to release explosive statement detailing deportation saga


Novak Djokovic will explain everything “in the next seven to ten days” as he vows to address the situation surrounding his Australian Open deportation.

20-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic was denied the opportunity to compete for a 21st Slam title after he was deported just one day before the Australian Open got underway.

As such, Slam rival and fellow competitor Rafael Nadal was able to pip Djokovic to such a record-breaking achievement of being the first player to reach 21 Grand Slam titles.

The World number one was deported after an 11-day-long saga after his medical exemption and visa were cancelled twice.

Whilst he had the original decision overturned, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke took the executive decision to overrule the court’s verdict and terminate the visa once and for all. This decision was unanimously upheld and Djokovic was swiftly deported.

Djokovic’s antics proved divisive and polarising all over the world but Serbia were especially bemused with the situation, with Djokovic’s parents and prominent political figures such as the Serbian President and Prime Minister offering their support.

In Djokovic’s exemption papers, two separate discrepancies had reportedly been found with regard to the dates and sequencing of his Covid-19 PCR tests. However, the Belgrade Public Prosecutor’s Office revealed Serbia’s Health Ministry deemed them to be valid.

Djokovic and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic held a meeting in which Djokovic said “I am very grateful for your (President Vucic) acts that also put you in a troubling political position in international relations.

“I will remember that for a long time. My ties to the Serbian people are getting stronger every day and the events in Australia showed the connection will be even stronger.

“Those circumstances that happened to me in Australia taught me and that bond will last forever.

“Since I did not speak before, please be patient, in the next seven to ten days I will address in more detail everything that happened in Australia.”

Djokovic will make a first appearance of the new year at the upcoming Dubai Tennis Championships which take place between February 14th and February 26th.

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.