Serbian tennis player Laslo Djere has denounced the Australian government for its treatment of deported star Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic landed in Dubai on Monday afternoon (AEDT) after Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke had his visa canceled as the world number one’s appeal was rejected.

Speaking after his first-round loss to Denis Shapovalov on Monday, Djere said Australia’s position in the world had been diminished by the saga.

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“I don’t think the Serbs, I think the whole world has seen it and they’ll probably have a new or different view of Australia. I mean, the guy had the exemption, and they have it when even expelled,” he said.

“I don’t know the specifics, so I don’t want to be too harsh either, but what everyone has read, yes, he’s not vaccinated, but we were told we could enter the country. with an exemption, which he had, and yet he’s not here with us. Something went horribly wrong.

“Yeah, it was a real disaster. I don’t know what else to say.

Djere also accused the Australian public of turning their backs on Djokovic without considering his contributions to the game and to the country’s bushfire relief efforts two years ago.

“I mean, even though he’s not been a nine-time champion or the person he is, but more importantly he’s a great guy and always tries to help other people, and yeah, he won the tournament nine times, of course,” he said. noted.

“Yet like most Australians wanted him gone.

“Nick Kyrgios also mentioned two years ago when there were bushfires he donated I think a fair amount of money and stuff and now here in Australia everyone comes from turn your back on him.”

The 26-year-old said Djokovic will be “inspired” by the adversity he has faced in Melbourne over the past two weeks.

“It’s also in our Serbian mentality. When we get beaten up or we’re treated badly or maybe we don’t deserve it, we just try to – especially him, try to take inspiration from it and draw strength from it,” he said. declared.

“I’m sure he will come back stronger than ever.”