“Djokocic Palpably Present in AO”

Web Desk — World No.1 tennis player Novak Djokovic has been deported from Australia after being declared a “non-vaccinated” player but his departure in this way has left a discourse behind.

Djokovic’s dream of playing and winning the Australian Open may not be a dream come true, but after his departure from the event, there is talk of a resounding response to the Australian government’s inflexible rules regarding Covid-19.

On Sunday, Djokovic left Australia after failing to overturn the cancellation of his visa due to his lack of a Covid-19 vaccination. Early Monday morning, he touched down in Dubai just as the first match of the tournament began.

Upon hearing that Djokovic’s Serbian Davis Cup teammate Dusan Lajovic had defeated Marton Fucsovics of Hungary in five sets, a Serbian fan immediately tweeted, “Dusan Lajovic has avenged his Serbian brother by eliminating Martin Fucsovics.”

Tennis coach Darren Cahill told Australian television “the players are relieved” that Djokovic’s departure has brought attention to the sport.

Australian Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg rejected claims made by Serbian President Alexander Vucic that Djokovic was mistreated prior to his departure from Australia.

“I reject those comments completely and make no apologies for applying the rules here in Australia, which have helped keep us safe,” Frydenberg said.

It doesn’t matter if you’re the No. 1 tennis player in the world or Betty from Utah, if you’re unvaccinated, the same rules apply, and that’s what happened here.

The No. 1 men’s tennis player was divided on whether he should have been allowed to compete at the Australian Open despite not being vaccinated against Covid-19.

Djokovic has strong support from his native country Serbia, whose President says Australia has embarrassed itself. We’ll warmly welcome Novak Djokovic back home.

The British player Andy Murray expressed his hope that a similar situation wouldn’t happen again at the next tournament.

Djokovic is the defending champion at the next scheduled major, the French Open in May-June, but it is not clear where he will play it or not?

He can still play at this point – if virus rules don’t change before then. Roxana Maracineanu, the French sports minister, confirmed earlier this month that Djokovic would qualify for a “health bubble” that allows unvaccinated players to train and play.

It could be the same for Wimbledon, where he is also defending champion. Visitors to England are exempt from various coronavirus regulations if they remain at their accommodations when not competing or training.

USTA, which runs the US Open, has announced it will follow government guidelines regarding vaccinations.