Novak Djokovic to tell his ‘version of the story’ after being deported from Australia

Novak Djokovic says he will tell his “version of the story” after being deported from Australia last month.

The tennis star, who was sent packing ahead of the Australian Open due to his unvaccinated status, on Thursday sat down with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and spoke publicly for the first time about the drama.

Watch Novak speak for the first time in the video above

The world No.1 thanked the president and fans for their support “during the unfortunate events in Australia” ahead of the grand slam.

“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, entire Serbian nation, many people with good intentions from the region and the world.”

Djokovic 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.

The nine-time Australian Open winner was unable to defend his title following an 11-day drama, which saw his visa revoked twice as he did not meet Australia’s COVID-19 entry requirements.

He had travelled Down Under after being told by Tennis Australia he could play the tournament on a medical exemption.

Mr Vucic thanked Djokovic for his “great fight.”

The meeting comes a day after Djokovic’s biographer sensationally claimed the Serb would get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Author Daniel Muksch, who has penned A Lifetime At War, a book chronicling the life of the 20-time grand slam champion that comes out later this year, said watching Rafael Nadal become the most successful men’s player