It is clear that Serbian players at this year’s Australian Open have two things on their mind – to play the best tennis they can and to defend their leader Novak Djokovic from further criticism.
Tennis has been marred with controversy over the past 11 days following a dramatic visa battle between the world No.1 and the Australian authorities. Djokovic saw his visa get cancelled, won a legal battle to overturn that decision, got his visa cancelled once again and ended up being deported from the country following a second unsuccessful court appeal. Authorities argue that the tennis star pose a threat and could incite civil unrest related to the ani-vaxx movement. An allegation his legal team denies. Meanwhile, Serbia feels that their greatest tennis player of all time has been mistreated.
Miomir Kecmanovic is a former world No.1 junior player who was set to play Djokovic in the first round on Monday. Instead, he took on Italian lucky loser Salvatore Caruso who he beat 6-4, 6-2, 6-1.
“Everything that happened to Novak in the last few days certainly affected all of us from Serbia,” world No.77 Miomir Kecmanovic told CODE Sports prior to the match. “It is clear that I am disappointed with the decision of the authorities in Australia. I think that tennis lost a lot with this event in Australia, because not having the best tennis player in the world is a loss for the sport, the spectators, all of us.”
Laslo Djere bowed out of the tournament to Denis Shapovalov in his first round match. He once partnered Djokovic in an ATP doubles tournament back in 2015 and the two are Davis Cup teammates. Speaking to reporters following his loss, the 26-year-old says the atmosphere has changed since the court ruling.
“A different feel here for me. I texted Novak that I’m sorry about what happened. I don’t get it, their rules were that you can enter the country with an exemption, they didn’t follow their own rules… It’s just terrible, a catastrophe,” he said.
Djere says he has heard a ‘few conversations’ among players and admits that not all of them support Djokovic for whatever reason. Unlike the Serbian contingent, most other players on the Tour have been reluctant to weigh in on the debate and some such as Rafael Nadal has expressed frustration that the fiasco is overshadowing the sport.
“Personally, I feel that he will be stronger than ever after this. It’s our mentality – when we fall or we are treated unjustly, it fuels us and motivates us, him especially,” the world No.52 stated.
Dusan Lajovic didn’t hold back when he was asked to express his view on the situation. He was the first man from his country to book a place in the second round after ousting Wimbledon quarter-finalist Marton Fucsovics in five sets.
“I think the way they treated him was terribly wrong, the decision itself was terribly wrong and also the reason why they did it was terribly wrong. Based on an idea.. It’s not the right way,” said Lajovic.
“Many from the top did not support him. Maybe they know Novak is one of favorites of the title, one obstacle less for them, but I don’t know whether that was their point of view. I tried to stay off the media because there was many half-information.” He later added.
According to Australian immigration laws, 34-year-old Djokovic will not be granted another visa to enter the country for another three years. However, prime minister Scott Morrison told radio station 2GB that the 20-time Grand Slam champion could be allowed to return earlier than that provided he meets the ‘right circumstances.’
Note: quotes via twitter.com/ozmo_sasa
