Novak Djokovic says he will reveal his 'version of the story' over deportation from Australia in first public appearance

In his first public comments since he arrived home in Serbia, men's tennis world number one Novak Djokovic says he will soon tell his «version of the story» of his deportation from Australia last month.

Djokovic, who was unvaccinated, was unable to defend his Australian Open title after an 11-day drama that saw his visa revoked, twice, because he did not meet Australia's COVID-19 entry requirements, despite being told by Tennis Australia he could play the tournament on a medical exemption.

Since arriving home in the capital, Belgrade, two weeks ago, Djokovic has made several visits to churches and hit the practice court but a meeting on Thursday with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić saw Djokovic speak publicly for the first time about his treatment in Australia.

Djokovic thanked the President and all state institutions for their support «during the unfortunate events in Australia».

«Although I was alone in detention in Australia, and faced many problems and challenges, I did not feel lonely,» he said.

«I had huge support, primarily from my family, all of the close people in my life, [the] entire Serbian nation, many people with good intentions from the region and the world.»

He did not go into details about his treatment in Australia, but urged fans to «be patient» and said that he would make an address to the media in the coming days.

«I haven't spoken in public in regards to the events that happened in Australia, and this is the first time that I have come out in public,» he said.

«Please be patient because, in the next seven to 10 days, I will address the media in more detail with my version, stories and everything that happened in Australia.»

He also reserved a special personal thanks for Mr Vučić, who had been steadfast in