Courier believes Djokovic was the victim of politics in Australia - "It was a mess"

Former World No.1 Jim Courier claims politics played a huge role in the treatment of Novak Djokovic and his deportation from Australia, just days before the Serbian was to defend his Australian Open title.

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was granted a medical exemption for the Australian Open but the Australian authorities wouldn't let him compete at Melbourne Park unvaccinated. After 10 long days in Australia, the Djokovic visa saga ended with the world No. 1 being deported from the country.

"It didn't work in Australia. What happened in Australia screams of a political move by people looking for publicity," said Courier. "I don't think he should have even tried to get there, it became a mess."

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Nonetheless, Djokovic refused to speak negatively of Australia after the incident, instead saying it's a place where he has had many great memories.

“I will always remember all the nice things that happened for me in Melbourne," said the nine-time champion. "I had a lot of professional and personal beautiful moments there. Despite all this, I have a great connection with Australia. Results that I had in Melbourne show you how I feel when I go there.

“Everything that has happened this year was totally unexpected. It will be hard to forget, but I want to come back to Australia in the future and to play on Rod Laver Arena again”