Novak Djokovic’s parents say Australia visa row is politically motivated

In the latest development to the row over Novak Djokovic‘s vaccination status and his eligibility to play the Australian Open, the world number one’s parents have given statements in support of their son.

Speaking to media, the 34-year-old’s father, Srjdan Djokovic, said, “They’re keeping him in captivity. They’re stomping all over him to stomp all over Serbia and the Serbian people. [Scott] Morrison [Australia’s prime minister] and his like have dared attack Novak to bring Serbia to its knees.”

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“This has nothing to do with sports, this is a political agenda. Novak is the best player and the best athlete in the world, but several hundred million people from the west can’t stomach that,” Srjdan continued, and claimed that the decision to cancel his visa was politically motivated.

Djokovic’s mother too, gave a statement equating her son with Serbia: “Our Novak, our pride. Novak is Serbia, and Serbia is Novak. They want to clip his wings, but we know how strong he is.”

Srjdan’s statement and his claims that his son was being “persecuted” by Australian authorities led to demonstrators gathering outside the Serbian assembly in Belgrade.

Subsequently, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić also voiced his support for Djokovic in an Instagram post, saying that he “told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and [we] are doing everything to see the harassment of the world’s best tennis player is brought to an end. In line with all norms of international law, Serbia will fight for Novak, truth and justice.”

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Earlier on Wednesday, Australian authorities cancelled Djokovic’s visa after the tennis star refused to divulge details about his vaccination status. Djokovic had earlier stated that he was against vaccination, and Australian authorities said that the tennis maestro did not meet the requirements for an exemption from rules around vaccination. As it stands, Djokovic is in detention at a hotel in Melbourne and is slated to be deported.

However, Djokovic has challenged his deportation in court in a bid to play the Australian Open, which commences on January 17.