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Novak Djokovic's Dad Compares His Son's Treatment In Australia To Jesus Christ's Crucifixion

Novak Djokovic's Dad Compares His Son's Treatment In Australia To Jesus Christ's Crucifixion

Srdjan Djokovic believes Novak's visa being cancelled is akin to being strung up on a cross for certain death.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Novak Djokovic's dad believes his son is being treated like Jesus Christ was during his crucifixion.

The world number one tennis star has had his visa cancelled by Australian Border Force and he will be kicked out of the country in the coming days.

He claimed he had a medical exemption that allowed him to play at this month's Australian Open without being vaccinated against the coronavirus.

But Aussie officials have revealed he didn't have a proper exemption and that was enough grounds for him to be booted imminently.

While there will be many people who are happy to see him go, Novak's father Srdjan has been horrified at what's happened.

Alamy

He explained at a press conference in Serbia: "What is not fair play is the political witch hunt (being conducted against Djokovic), by everybody including the Australian Prime Minister pretending that the rules apply to all.

"[Novak] met all the required conditions for the entry and participation at the tournament that he would have certainly won.

"Jesus was crucified and endured many things but is still alive among us. Novak is also crucified... the best sportsman and man in the world. He will endure."

His mother, Dijana Djokovic, added: "I feel terrible since yesterday, the last 24 hours. They are keeping him like a prisoner. It's just not fair. It's not human.

"I just hope he will be strong as we are trying also to be very strong to give him some energy to keep on going. I hope that he will win."

Novak's dad led a protest through the streets of Belgrade after it was revealed his visa was being cancelled.

Alamy

Several hundred people attended the demonstration outside parliament, according to Fox Sports, and Srdjan yelled that Serbia was behind Novak every step of the way.

The world number one tennis player has the backing of the Serbian government in trying to get into Australia.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said: "What is not fair play is the political witch hunt [against Djokovic], by everybody including the Australian Prime Minister pretending that the rules apply to all."

The country's Prime Minister Ana Brnabic added to Sky News: "We will try to do our best to make sure Novak is treated equally and gets all the rights that he's entitled to. That is the only thing I can say.

"And Serbia stands by Novak. I stand by Novak. All of our people stand by Novak and his family in these difficult times."

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: Australia