"He didn't break any rules" - Boris Becker comes to Novak Djokovic's defense

With Novak Djokovic facing deportation from Australia after a mix-up with his visa, Former World No.1 Boris Becker has come to the defense of the Serbian.

The 20-time Grand Slam winner announced on Tuesday that he was travelling Down Under for the Australian Open under a medical exemption after doubt and rumours swirled for months around his vaccination status.

However, upon his arrival in Melbourne on Wednesday it was decided by authorities that he would be denied entry to the country after a member of the 34-year-old’s team submitted the wrong paperwork when applying for a visa, opting for one that doesn’t allow for a medical exemption from having the vaccine.

Stuck in immigration detention until Monday while he waits for a hearing on his appeal of the decision to deport him, the reigning Australian Open champion has had been supported by tennis legend Becker.  

"Novak had a medical exemption, along with five other players in the draw – he was dealing directly with the Australian Open, it was professionally done," said Becker in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live.

“He didn’t break any rules, they were allowed to play, but obviously some Australians haven’t seen their families in a year and a half or two years. I understand the public outcry but I want to defend Djokovic a little bit because he wouldn’t have flown without an exemption.”

It’s still up in the air as to whether Djokovic will be able to defend his title at the season opening Grand Slam with his appeal hearing set to take place on Monday morning.