BELGRADE (Reuters) – Serbia’s president on Thursday praised tennis star Novak Djokovic’s “nice combat” over his bid to play on the Australia Open regardless of not being vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.
An Australian Federal Court final month determined to cancel the world primary’s visa after days of wrangling over the nation’s COVID-19 entry guidelines, forcing him to overlook the Grand Slam match and return to Serbia.
“Thank you for the good combat you fought in Australia,” Aleksandar Vucic instructed Djokovic throughout a gathering in Belgrade.
Vucic, a populist who’s bidding for re-election in April, stated he spoke with Djokovic as quickly as he heard in regards to the issues in Australia and instructed him to return dwelling.
“And then I noticed how … he was able to combat not just for himself, however for his nation,” Vucic stated.
Djokovic, who beforehand refused to talk about the occasions in Australia, instructed Vucic he was grateful for the assist, including he that he’ll tackle the general public inside seven to 10 days.
“You have stood behind me and positioned your self in a compromised political place in worldwide relations, and I’m … extraordinarily grateful. I’ll keep in mind that,” Djokovic stated.
Djokovic’s remedy has been described as “scandalous” by the federal government in Belgrade and has soured relations between Serbia and Australia.
(Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic; Editing by Ed Osmond)
