"I'll never forget Serbian people's support" - says Djokovic during first public speech after deportation

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic met today with the best tennis player in the world, Novak Djokovic, in the building of the General Secretariat of the President of the Republic in Belgrade.

Novak Djokovic did not compete in the Australian Open because he was deported from Melbourne by a decision of the Australian government after about a fortnight of confusion. During that time, he spoke several times with the president who was trying to help him in any way he could.

Today Vucic addressed the press:

"I'd never seen such a thing. Someone much bigger than us came along, much more important. I want to say a big thank you for being here today, for always being with our people. This has never happened before, for journalists to stand in three rows, that speaks to what you represent to our people and Serbia. You represent our country on the biggest stage. Thank you for the great fight you put up in Australia."

Then it was Djokovic's turn who adressed the press:

"Thank you for the welcome. Today I wanted to see you, as a citizen of Serbia, to thank you for your support, as well as all the institutions during the unfortunate events in Australia. Although I was detained alone, I did not feel lonely, I had the support of my family, friends, the entire Serbian people, many well-meaning people from all over the world who tried personally and publicly to make my time in Australia easier. You had no obligation to provide support, but I want you to know that I feel great gratitude that you stood up for me, put yourself in a compromising situation."

He continued:

"That is appreciated and respected, I will remember it for a long time and my connection and my attitude towards the Serbian people is getting stronger day by day. Those circumstances that happened to me in Australia taught me and that bond will last forever. Since I did not speak before, please be patient, in the next seven to ten days I will address in more detail everything that happened in Australia."