Laslo Djere: I feel sorry for Novak Djokovic, Australia didn't follow their own rules



by DZEVAD MESIC

Laslo Djere: I feel sorry for Novak Djokovic, Australia didn't follow their own rules

Serbia's Laslo Djere called the Novak Djokovic situation as "just terrible" as he felt sorry for what happened to his fellow compatriot. Djokovic, ranked at No. 1 in the world, lost his Australia visa appeal on Sunday and was deported from the country.

"A different feel here for me. I texted Novak that I’m sorry about what happened. I don’t get it, their rules were that you can enter the country with an exemption, they didn’t follow their own rules... It’s just terrible, a catastrophe," Djere said, per Sasa Ozmo.

Djere, ranked at No. 51 in the world, admitted not every player was on Djokovic's side. "I did hear a few conversations in the locker room, in English or Spanish...

We have to know that not all of the players support Nole," Djere added.

Djere tips Djokovic to return stronger

Djokovic is a record nine-time Australian Open champion and not being able to compete at Melbourne Park certainly hurts a lot.

"Personally, I feel that he will be stronger than ever after this. It’s our mentality – when we fall or we are treated unjustly, it fuels us and motivates us, him especially," Djere stated.

After losing his visa appeal, Djokovic accepted the court's decision and said he would take some time to rest.

"I would like to make a brief statement to address the outcome's of today's Court hearing, I will now be taking some time to rest and recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this," Djokovic said in a statement.

"I'm extremely disappointed with the Court ruling to discuss my application for judicial review of the Minister's decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.

"I respect the Court's ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country."

Laslo Djere Novak Djokovic