02:41Dozens gathered in front of the parliament in Belgrade on Thursday, responding to a call for protest by Novak Djokovic's father, as the tennis star has been barred from entering Australia to compete in the Australian Open.
Protesters were holding signs supporting Djokovic, who was in quarantine in a hotel in Melbourne at the time of writing. At the same time, his father Srdjan expressed anger towards Australian authorities, saying, "Proud Novak - he is our heart, our spirit, and our blood. This is just the beginning of the agony; they want to hold him in prison instead of detention."
Djokovic has been denied entry to Australia after not meeting the entry requirements due to his unvaccinated status. His attempt to secure a visa to take part in the upcoming Australian Open has thus far been unsuccessful.
The 20-time major winner was due to compete in the Australian Open, which starts in under two weeks.
To enter Australia, people must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or give a medical exemption on why they can not be vaccinated.
Soon after the visa attempt failed, the tennis star was taken to the Park Hotel, a location being used as a quarantine facility in Melbourne. The hotel is the same hotel where some refugees have been held, leading to some protesters teaming up with Djokovic fans.
Djokovic is reportedly attempting to launch a last-minute court bid to stay in the country and participate in the tournament.
Serbia: 'Proud Novak, he is our heart, our spirit and our blood' - Djokovic's father at rally in Belgrade
Dozens gathered in front of the parliament in Belgrade on Thursday, responding to a call for protest by Novak Djokovic's father, as the tennis star has been barred from entering Australia to compete in the Australian Open.
Protesters were holding signs supporting Djokovic, who was in quarantine in a hotel in Melbourne at the time of writing. At the same time, his father Srdjan expressed anger towards Australian authorities, saying, "Proud Novak - he is our heart, our spirit, and our blood. This is just the beginning of the agony; they want to hold him in prison instead of detention."
Djokovic has been denied entry to Australia after not meeting the entry requirements due to his unvaccinated status. His attempt to secure a visa to take part in the upcoming Australian Open has thus far been unsuccessful.
The 20-time major winner was due to compete in the Australian Open, which starts in under two weeks.
To enter Australia, people must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or give a medical exemption on why they can not be vaccinated.
Soon after the visa attempt failed, the tennis star was taken to the Park Hotel, a location being used as a quarantine facility in Melbourne. The hotel is the same hotel where some refugees have been held, leading to some protesters teaming up with Djokovic fans.
Djokovic is reportedly attempting to launch a last-minute court bid to stay in the country and participate in the tournament.
Dozens gathered in front of the parliament in Belgrade on Thursday, responding to a call for protest by Novak Djokovic's father, as the tennis star has been barred from entering Australia to compete in the Australian Open.
Protesters were holding signs supporting Djokovic, who was in quarantine in a hotel in Melbourne at the time of writing. At the same time, his father Srdjan expressed anger towards Australian authorities, saying, "Proud Novak - he is our heart, our spirit, and our blood. This is just the beginning of the agony; they want to hold him in prison instead of detention."
Djokovic has been denied entry to Australia after not meeting the entry requirements due to his unvaccinated status. His attempt to secure a visa to take part in the upcoming Australian Open has thus far been unsuccessful.
The 20-time major winner was due to compete in the Australian Open, which starts in under two weeks.
To enter Australia, people must provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or give a medical exemption on why they can not be vaccinated.
Soon after the visa attempt failed, the tennis star was taken to the Park Hotel, a location being used as a quarantine facility in Melbourne. The hotel is the same hotel where some refugees have been held, leading to some protesters teaming up with Djokovic fans.
Djokovic is reportedly attempting to launch a last-minute court bid to stay in the country and participate in the tournament.