Boris Becker, legendry German tennis
player, said Novak Djokovic is “making a big mistake” in not getting vaccinated
as it will put “remains of his career” at risk. Djokovic was granted
a medical exemption by the Victoria government for the upcoming Australian Open
but his visa was cancelled by Australian Border Force upon his arrival in
Melbourne.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic’s visa cancelled, to be flown out of Australia on Thursday

Before his arrival, Australia’s Prime
Minister Scott Morrison said should he fail to meet the vaccination criteria he
will be sent back home on the next available flight. Djokovic is now isolated
in an immigrant hotel as he awaits the court’s decision on his case. Djokovic
had always refused to reveal his vaccination status. Serbia has dispatched a
protest note to its Canberra embassy to transmit it to Australia.

Also Read: Serbia dispatches protest note to Australia for mistreating Novak Djokovic

“I would almost regard him as family – but
like in all families you sometimes have disagreements,” Becker, a winner of 10
grand slam titles, told the Daily Mail.

Also Read: Australian Open: Djokovic to be sent home if COVID vaccine proof insufficient

“And on this occasion I think he is
making a big mistake in not getting vaccinated. It is one that threatens what
remains of his career and his chance to cement himself as the greatest players
of all time. Four times I sat in his box as he won the Australian Open, so I am
fully aware of his great strengths as an incredible competitor. I also think he
has a great character that can easily be misunderstood. Yet these strengths can
also be weaknesses. The same incredible determination which I saw win so many
close matches can be a vulnerability with his stubbornness,” said Becker.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic given medical exemption to play at Australian Open

Djokovic was detained for nine hours at the
airport

Djokovic and his team were detained for
nine hours at the Melbourne Airport before the Serb was told his visa was
cancelled and detained at a hotel.

“When he arrived at Melbourne Airport I was
exchanging messages with Goran Ivanisevic, the coach who is accompanying him.
Goran was in a separate room, cut off from Novak because he and the rest of the
team had been cleared to enter Australia,” Becker continued.

Also Read: Novak Djokovic willing to play in Australian Open 2022

“I did not have the chance to speak to
Novak but I would urge him to get vaccinated – although whether he would listen
is another matter. I also accept that as someone in my fifties I look at my
health in a different way from those in their twenties and thirties who feel
more invincible.”