"He will rise above this situation" - Bernard Tomic weighs in on the Djokovic visa debacle

Former World No.17 Bernard Tomic believes Novak Djokovic will bounce back from the immigration saga that saw the Serbian deported from Australia, thus preventing him from winning his fourth straight title at Melbourne Park.

Tomic revealed he had a conversation with Djokovic in Australia, during which he sympathized with the World No.1.

"I talked to him and told him that I wish him all the best, and that I was very sad because I did not see him at the Australian Open," Tomic said in an interview with Blic. "I was sitting next to his locker in the locker room. I also posted this as a video on my Instagram.

"I have already told the Australian media that they should have treated Novak better while he was in the country, and that it was unfortunate that he did not get the opportunity to defend the title, as well as to fight for the historic 21st Grand Slam title.

"Novak thanked me for my support and wished me all the best."

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Furthermore, Tomic believes that Djokovic is mentally strong enough to overcome the situation, and he hopes to see the 20-time Grand Slam champion bounce back.

"The situation in which he found himself is mentally very difficult," added the Aussie. "Hard to believe something like this happened. It's unreal! But if there is someone who come back stronger and if there is someone who has the strength to go through everything, then it's Nole.

"You need to be extremely mentally strong. He is probably the only one on tour who is strong enough to get through this. I believe that he is a true champion and that he will rise above this situation."