Former Australian Open chief believes Djokovic is being treated unfairly

The saga surrounding Novak Djokovic reached new heights when it was announced that he was being detained in Melbourne due to Visa issues. However, there are several who believe the Serbian was not receiving fair treatment, among which is former Australian Open director Paul McNamee.

McNamee, who ran the Australian Open from 1995 to 2006, stated that the World No.1 deserved his day on court, not in court.

“It’s not fair. The guy played by the rules, he got his visa, he arrives, he’s a nine-time champion and whether people like it or not he’s entitled to fair play,” McNamee told ABC News.

“There’s no doubt there’s some disconnect between the State and the federal government. I hate to think politics are involved but it feels that way.”

Read also

Djokovic's visa cancelled and told to leave Australia, filing federal injunction to stop deportation

Djokovic had travelled to Australia after Victoria state authorities granted him an exemption to the vaccination rules but on arrival on Wednesday night, the ABF rejected the visa. A court hearing to attempt to stop his deportation is set for Monday at the secure hotel used more often by immigration officials to house asylum seekers and refugees.

“He is the only player that I’ve ever known in the history of the Australian Open that has had his visa rescinded,” added McNamee. “Players need to know with confidence that if they’re flying round the world to events, there’s not going to be this sort of problem at entry.

“It’s a problem we’ve seen over the last two years in Australia and the victim of that is the No.1 player in the world.

“He was following the rules. Now you might be angry that he was given an exemption, but players need to have confidence that the rules they abide by are going to be enforced. It’s not fair to him. Whether you like the rules or not, he doesn’t make the rules - so he deserves his day on court and not in court, in my opinion.”