JAKARTA - Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic has reacted strongly after the Australian government refused a visa for world number one tennis player from that country, Novak Djokovic.

Djokovic came to Australia to participate in the grand slam at the start of the Australian Open season which starts on 17 January. However, his ambition to pursue a tenth title at the tournament had to be constrained by vaccine regulations.

The tennis player who has 20 grand slam titles flew to Kangaroo Country on Wednesday. However, once there he was not allowed to enter, which provoked the wrath of the Serbian president.

"I told Novak that we all Serbia are with him," Vucic said.

Djokovic was able to fly to Australia due to a medical exemption regarding his COVID-19 vaccination status. However, upon arrival in Australia he could not show evidence of an exception to the vaccine obligation for Australia.

It made the Australian government had to cancel the tennis player's visa. The cancellation was announced live by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morisson on Twitter.

"We will do everything we can to see that the abuse of the world's best tennis players is brought to an end," Vucic said.

If allowed to participate, Djokovic has a great chance of setting a record at the Australian Open. The 34-year-old has the potential to become the owner of the most Grand Slam titles in singles.

Currently Djokovic collected 20 grand slam titles, including in Australia last year. The number is the same as the collection of two competitors, namely Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.


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