Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic was received by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at the General Secretariat of the Presidency in Belgrade on Thursday. Djokovic and Vucic held a conversation before the press, where they discussed the tennis player’s visa ordeal at the Australian Open in Melbourne last month.

"During the unfortunate events in Australia, although I was alone in detention in Australia and faced many challenges and problems, I did not feel lonely. First of all, I had the great support of my family, all people close to me, friends, the entire Serbian people,” said Djokovic during the conversation. "I want you to know that I feel very grateful that you stood behind me,” added the Serbian tennis player.

Prior to the Australian Open tournament in Melbourne, in January 2022, Novak Djokovic was detained by the Australian authorities for alleged non-compliance with COVID-19 entry regulations. He was later released following a judge's ruling before being detained again and having his appeal dismissed.

Serbian President Vucic openly supported Djokovic during the events, asking the Australian government of Prime Minister Scott Morrison why authorities were 'harassing' the Serb. Eventually Djokovic was expelled from Australia despite his legal recourses on the grounds that he could inspire 'anti-vaccination sentiment,' The decision left the then world number one unable to compete at the Austrialian Open. The tournament, one of four major tennis titles on the singles circuit, was won by Spain’s Rafael Nadal.