(CNN)The Australian Open organizer says the organization deeply regrets the impact the Novak-Djokovic saga has had on players competing in the first Grand Slam of the tennis season.
Djokovic returned to Serbia’s capital Belgrade on Monday after his deportation from Australia ended the world’s No. 1 tennis player’s hopes of playing at the Australian Open.
The unvaccinated Djokovic was deported after losing his court challenge to the Australian government’s decision to annul his visa on public health and order grounds.
“We want to make it clear from the outset that we respect the decision of the Immigration Secretary and the finding of the Federal Court of Australia over the weekend,” said Tennis Australia’s statement, which did not mention Djokovic’s name.
“Tennis Australia has worked closely with the Federal Government and Victorian Government over the past year to bring players, staff and fans COVID-safe Australian Opens.
“Entering a major international sporting event during a global pandemic that is constantly evolving and challenging us all is deeply demanding for everyone involved.”
“Lessons to Learn”
Current Australian law requires all international arrivals to be vaccinated against Covid-19 unless they have a Therapeutic Use Exemption.
Djokovic said he felt he could step in because two independent bodies linked to Tennis Australia and the Victoria state government had given him an exemption for contracting Covid-19 in December.
The federal government argued that under its rules, previous infection with Covid-19 was not a valid reason for an exemption.
The Australian Open started on Monday but Saturday’s media day of the tournament was dominated by players asking about Djokovic.
“As the Australian tennis family, we recognize that recent events have been a significant distraction for everyone and we deeply regret the impact this has had on all players,” the Tennis Australia statement added.
“There are always lessons to be learned and we will review all aspects of our preparation and execution to inform our planning – as we do every year. This process always starts once the Australian Open champions have raised their trophies.”
Had Djokovic played and won at this year’s Australian Open, he would have secured his 21st Grand Slam title in men’s singles.
“Like the players and all tennis fans here and around the world, we wish now to focus on the game we are all so passionate about,” Tennis Australian’s statement continued. “We are looking forward to two brilliant weeks of tennis.”
The Australian Open ends on January 31st.
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