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Novak Djokovic US Open 2021

‘No opinion’ – Lucky loser who replaced Novak Djokovic unwilling to join visa debate


Salvatore Caruso says he will not offer an opinion on the Novak Djokovic saga after replacing him in the draw for the Australian Open.

The world number 150 was inserted into the draw in place of Djokovic as a lucky loser after the Serbian was deported on Sunday.

Djokovic’s detainment, release, and ultimate deportation dominated the build-up to the Australian Open.

However, while Caruso says he he grateful for the opportunity, he didn’t feel sufficiently informed to offer an opinion on the extraordinary events that created it.

“I am happy and proud to play one of the most important tournaments in the world,” Caruso wrote on Instagram.

“I understand Novak Djokovic’s disappointment in not being able to participate and I wish him to return soon to do what he loves.

“I don’t feel like I can express an opinion on the event itself because I don’t know the details and don’t think it is fair to pass judgement,” he added.

“The media resonance of the event of my entry in the main draw in place of Novak is a lot and tends to take energy. Energy that I hope to keep and use in the match.”

Caruso will play Djokovic’s compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in his the first round.

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Michael Graham, Tennishead.net Editor, has been a professional sports journalist for his whole career and is especially passionate about tennis. He's been the Editor of Tennishead.net for over 5 years and loves watching live tennis by visiting as many tournaments as possible. Michael specialises in writing in-depth features about the ATP & WTA tours.