ANDY MURRAY has described Novak Djokovic’s Australian visa ordeal as ‘really bad for tennis’.
World No.1 Djokovic was denied entry into Australia this week after touching down in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open.
The row is down to the medical exemption the unvaccinated Djokovic had been given to play at the tournament.
But border officials claim he ‘failed to provide appropriate evidence’ for entry.
And Djokovic is currently being held in an immigration detention centre after having his visa cancelled, which he has appealed.
The Australian government has also failed in a bid to delay Djokovic’s visa hearing until after the Australian Open draw is finalised, but a judge.
On the situation, on-court rival Murray said: “I think everyone is shocked by it, to be honest.
“I’m going to say two things on it just now. The first thing is that I hope that Novak is OK.
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“I know him well, and I’ve always had a good relationship with him and I hope that he’s OK.
“The second thing, it’s really not good for tennis at all, and I don’t think it’s good for anyone involved. I think it’s really bad.”
Former coach and friend Boris Becker has advised Djokovic to get vaccinated to avoid any future complications.
The German says the 34-year-old ‘cannot go on like this’.
Speaking to Bild, Becker said: “If he is sent back, Novak will have to rethink a few things.
“If he wants to continue his career, I strongly advise him to have a vaccination.
“Does he want this discussion before every tournament? In any case, he cannot go on like this.”
