Calling The Djokovic Controversy Like A Circus, Nadal: I'd Rather He Not Play In The Australian Open

Rafael Nadal (twitter @rafaelnadal)

JAKARTA - Rafa Nadal called Novak Djokovic's COVID-19 vaccination controversy in Australia a "circus" and joked. He would prefer the world number one not to play in the upcoming Australian Open.

Djokovic was released from Australian immigration detention Monday after winning a court challenge to remain in the country chasing a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

"Whether or not I agree with Djokovic on some points, justice has spoken and said he has the right to participate in the Australian Open and I think that is the fairest decision to make, if it is resolved in that way. I wish him all the best," Nadal told Spanish radio Onda Cero.

After being denied entry to Australia for arriving unvaccinated for COVID-19, Djokovic, 34, was detained by immigration officials Thursday amid a storm of protests about the decision to grant him a medical exemption from vaccination requirements to play at the Australian Open.

"Personally, I'd prefer him not to play," Nadal said with a laugh with the interviewer.

"It's a sport, a lot of interest is moving around it, on a general level, on an economic level, advertising. Everything is much better when the best can play," Nadal said, before once again defending vaccinations.

"The most important institutions in the world are saying that vaccines are the way to stop this pandemic and the catastrophe we have been through for the last 20 months."