'Rafa Nadal had it right' - Novak Djokovic 'not bigger' than 'great success' Australian Open says politician

Novak Djokovic is 'not bigger' than the Australian Open, which has proved to be a 'great success' without him, Victorian Premier Dan Andrews has said. Djokovic's arrival in Melbourne prior to the event provoked one of the biggest crossover sports stories of recent years, with the Serb's unvaccinated status and visa complications triggering a polarised debate over his participation and ultimate deportation. Ad/> Section 133C(3) of the Migration Act was used by Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke to cancel Djokovic’s visa for a second time.

Under this ruling, the 20-time Grand Slam champion will not be able to get another visa into Australia for three years. Australian Open'I get goosebumps when I watch him' — Wilander in awe of Nadal after epic tie-breaker12 HOURS AGO Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley had hinted that Djokovic would likely be able to compete at Melbourne Park in 2023 when he addressed the «miscommunication» that had been behind the debacle. But Andrews has weighed in with his forthright thoughts on the matter, with the picture much less rosy for the 34-year-old, while he also held up Rafael Nadal as the example to follow.

«My position is very clear. You want to come here, get vaccinated. It’s pretty simple,» Andrews said.

«Rafa [Nadal] had it right. It could all have been avoided if he just got vaccinated, and that fellow [Djokovic] might think he’s bigger than the tournament. He’s not.

That is why the tournament is happening without him, and it’s a great success. »To Mr Tiley and all of his team, I wish them well as they enter the second week. This is a major event.