Novak Djokovic describes his Australia visa ordeal as 'unfortunate'

He did not speak about details of the events in Australia, promising to give his “version” later.

Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic (Darko Vojinovic/AP)

Novak Djokovic described his detention and deportation from Australia that prevented him from defending his Australian Open title as an “unfortunate event” and thanked the Serbian president for his support.

An 11-day saga over Djokovic’s entry visa ended with the Serb being deported for failing to meet Australia’s strict Covid-19 vaccination requirements.