(CNN) — The Australian Open organizer says he deeply regrets the impact the Novak Djokovic saga has had on players competing in the first Grand Slam of the tennis season.
Djokovic returned to the Serbian capital Belgrade on Monday after his deportation from Australia ended the world number one tennis player’s hopes of playing at the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic after landing in Belgrade, Serbia, on Monday, January 17.
Djokovic, who has not been vaccinated against covid-19, was deported after losing his court challenge against the Australian government’s decision to cancel his visa on public health and order grounds.
“We would like to make it clear from the outset that we respect the decision of the Immigration Minister and the ruling of the Australian Federal Court over the weekend,” said the Tennis Australia statement, which did not mention Djokovic’s name.
“Tennis Australia has been working closely with the Federal Government and the Victorian Government over the past year to deliver a covid-safe Australian Open for players, staff and fans.
“Embarking on a major international sporting event during a global pandemic that continues to evolve and challenge us all is deeply demanding on all stakeholders.”
‘lessons to learn’
Under current Australian law, all international visitors are required to be vaccinated against covid-19 unless they have a medical exemption.
Djokovic said he was under the impression he could enter because two independent panels associated with Tennis Australia and the Victoria state government had granted him an exemption on the grounds that he had been infected with Covid-19 in December. The federal government argued that prior infection with COVID-19 is not a valid reason for an exemption under its rules.
Supporters wave a Serbian flag as Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic arrives at the Nikola Tesla airport in Belgrade, Serbia, on Monday, January 17.
The Australian Open started on Monday but Saturday, the tournament’s media day, was dominated by player questions about Djokovic.
“As a family of Australian tennis, we recognize that recent events have been a significant distraction for all, and we deeply regret the impact this has had on all players,” the Tennis Australia statement added.
“There are always lessons to be learned, and we will review all aspects of our preparation and implementation to inform our planning, as we do every year. That process always begins once the Australian Open champions have lifted their trophies.”
Had Djokovic played and won this year’s Australian Open, he would have secured a record 21st Grand Slam men’s singles title.
“We, like the players and all tennis fans here and around the world, can’t wait to focus now on the game we are all passionate about,” Tennis Australian’s statement continued. “We are looking forward to two brilliant weeks of tennis ahead.”
The Australian Open ends on January 31.
