Novak Djokovic opens up on visa confusion at Australian Open - 'Sad and disappointed'

Novak Djokovic has admitted he was "sad and disappointed" to miss the Australian Open last month. Djokovic was favourite to land the title for a record-extending 10th time but was deported from Australia ahead of the tournament after an 11-day battle to stay in the country.

"I was really sad and disappointed with the way it all ended for me in Australia," he admitted. "It wasn't easy."

Djokovic had previously been given permission to play at the Australian Open as he was handed a medical exemption, despite the fact he isn't vaccinated against Covid.

But when he arrived in Melbourne, he was apprehended by Australia Border Force, who deemed his exemption to be invalid.

The Serbian was sent to a state-run immigration facility hours after landing Down Under, before winning an appeal against the decision to send him home.

But Australia's immigration minister Alex Hawke subsequently exercised his right to personally revoke Djokovic's visa himself.

READ MORE:

And following a second appeal - which was ultimately unsuccessful - the men's world No 1 was forced to leave the country.

Djokovic had submitted his medical exemption request anonymously and it was accepted by two independent panels.

The 34-year-old's travel declaration did include an error, however.

But Djokovic maintains that his deportation ultimately had nothing to do with the fact he isn't vaccinated.

DON'T MISS:

Roger Federer reality check given as ATP chief comments on future - 'Crossing our fingers'

Link

Wimbledon history-maker John Isner sets new tiebreak record with another marathon match

Link

"The visa declaration error was not deliberately made," Djokovic continued.

"It was accepted and confirmed by the Federal Court and the minister himself in the ministry