Oz, Serbia leaders discuss Novak issue

Novak Djokovic. Pic/AFP

The prime ministers of Australia and Serbia on Tuesday discussed Novak Djokovic's precarious visa after the top-ranked Serbian tennis star won a court battle to compete in the Australian Open, but still faces the threat of deportation because he is not vaccinated against COVID-19. The deportation drama has polarised opinions and elicited strong support for the 20-time Grand Slam winner in his native Serbia.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Serbian counterpart, Ana Brnabic, agreed in their telephone conversation to keep in touch over Djokovic's disputed visa, Morrison's office said.

"The PM explained our non-discriminatory border policy and its role in protecting Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic," Morrison's office said in a statement.
"They both agreed to stay in contact on the issue."

Brnabic asked Morrison to ensure the tennis star was treated with dignity, public broadcaster Radio Television of Serbia reported.

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