Alexander Zverev has revealed he feels sorry ‘for how the world speaks about Novak Djokovic ’ after the world No 1 was deported from Australia on Sunday.
Djokovic spent nearly two weeks in Melbourne ahead of this week’s Australian Open, and was eventually deported after his visa was revoked for a second time, under the order of immigration minister Alex Hawke.
Despite a second appeal to remain down under, the Serbian was ordered to return home and had his chances of defending his title wiped.
The decision came after the vaccine-sceptic repeatedly refused to reveal his vaccination status against COVID-19, which was a requirement to enter the country and compete in the Australian Open.
The world No 1 has no doubt been the talk of the sporting world in recent weeks, both positively and negatively, and his ATP rival Zverev has offered his sympathies following his deportation.
One point of view that the Serbian has been criticised for was his decision to travel to Australia in the first place, despite knowing a vaccine was required.
Zverev however believes there should have been more clarity.
He commented: “The whole world is talking about one of the greatest tennis players, one of the greatest athletes who ever lived, in such a negative way. Which I find very difficult.
“I think there should have been clarity. I understand the perspective that, if they say ‘no unvaccinated players should be in Australia’ then he shouldn’t have gotten into the country.
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“That’s it. Then all of this drama would not have happened.
“From my perspective, I feel a little bit sorry for him in the way the world speaks about him.”
Despite this the world No 3 did admit that he understands the protocol in place from the Australian authorities and event organisers, and praised Craig Tiley - the Tennis Australia CEO - for keeping the Grand Slam going through the pandemic.
Zverev commented: “It’s very difficult to say something, it’s very difficult to say the right things but in my opinion, Australia has suffered a lot.
Australia has been a closed country for almost two years and I understand it from that perspective, I understand the tough rules that we had last year.”
“I have to say one thing, I think Craig Tiley has lost a few years of his life over the last two years, but is doing an incredible job.
“To make the event happen last year when the country was completely closed and to make it happen this year again is one hell of an effort so I think he deserves a lot of credit.”
Zverev himself has already got his Australian Open campaign underway, as he breezed past fellow German Daniel Altmaier 7-6, 6-1, to set up a second round clash with John Millman.
