Anti-vaxxer Djokovic is received as a hero in Serbia after being deported by Australia.
Most Australians wanted the tennis player to leave, but his Serbian supporters waved flags and greeted him upon his arrival at Belgrade airport.
Belgrade/Melbourne (Reuters) - Tennis player Novak Djokovic was hailed as a hero in Serbia on Monday after the Australian government deported the men's number one tennis player for failing to get vaccinated against Covid-19, a move that hampered his quest for a record 21 Grand Slam titles.
Most Australians wanted the tennis player to leave, but his Serbian supporters waved national flags and greeted him upon his arrival at Belgrade airport.
"You are our champion, Novak!" and "We love you, Nole!!" chanted the fans, using his nickname.
The 34-year-old "King of Melbourne," who has won a total of nine Australian Open titles, is tied with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in Grand Slam titles, with 20 each, and was the top seed in the tournament that began on Monday.
But instead of starting his title defense campaign at Melbourne Park, the Serbian flew to Belgrade via Dubai after being detained twice at a hotel and then unceremoniously deported by Australian customs authorities.
The Australian government's decision was in line with the majority of public opinion, but authorities were criticized for not resolving the issue before the athlete's arrival in the country.
"I am uncomfortable that the focus of the last few weeks has been on me, and I hope that now we can all focus on the game and the tournament that I love," said Djokovic, expressing disappointment but respect for the court's decision against him.
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