"The law of the country is the law" - Rublev appears to side with Australian authorities in Djokovic saga

Andrey Rublev has given his opinion on the controversy involving Novak Djokovic and his visa issues, describing the situation as regretful and confusing.

Djokovic is scheduled to play at the Australian Open next week, but the Serbian could still be kicked out of the country as his visa was initially cancelled, reinstated and then cancelled a second time.

The Serbian filed an appeal and is currently having his case re-evaluated. When questioned about the situation, Rublev seemed to take the side of the Australian government and not his ATP colleague.

"I had no problem entering the country as I’m vaccinated,” Rublev said when asked about Novak Djokovic and his troubles with Australian immigration. “The situation with Novak is very confusing. We don’t know all the details.

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"Personal agreements do not give an athlete the right to cross the border, the law of the country is the law.

“None of us would want to get into such a situation. I can only shrug my shoulders and regret that instead of tennis, everyone is discussing these things.”

Although the draw has already been released for the Australian Open with Djokovic named as the top seed, should the Serbian be forced to leave the country before the order of play is revealed, then Rublev, as the fifth seed, will be moved into the Serbian's spot.