NOVAK Djokovic’s wife Jelena has broken her silence after her husband was banned from entering Australia – saying she “wishes” she could be with him.
The anti-vax tennis ace, 34, was stopped at the border as he tried to enter the country to compete in the Australian Open.
He sparked controversy after being granted a vaccine exemption to enter Australia but his visa was then sensationally revoked – and he was whisked away to a detention centre at a ‘filthy’ Melbourne hotel.
Djokovic’s wife Jelena shared a picture to Instagram of the couple kissing on a beach with the caption: “It’s Christmas today for us, my wishes are for everyone to be healthy, happy, safe and together with families.
“We wish we are all together today, but my consolation is that at least we are healthy. And we will grow from this experience.”
She added: “Thank you dear people, all around the world for using your voice to send love to my husband. I am taking a deep breath to calm down and find gratitude (and understanding) in this moment for all that is happening.
“The only law that we should all respect across every single border is love and respect for another human being. Love and forgiveness is never a mistake but a powerful force. Wishing you all well!”
Meanwhile, Australia’s home affairs minister Karen Andrews revealed the Serb did not provide an adequate reason as to why he isn’t jabbed – and therefore was not allowed in.
She told Channel Nine: “Anyone entering Australia has to meet the entry requirements which includes medical evidence of vaccination or alternately for medical reasons that individual cannot be vaccinated.
“So, specifically he [Djokovic] hasn’t met the medical reasons why he couldn’t be vaccinated.”
As the athlete attempted to enter Aussie territory, he was ordered into a side-room by Border Force guards.
The tennis player’s furious father Srdjan called on people to “take to the streets” to protest at his son’s blocked entry.
Djokovic was stripped of his phone and kept alone in the room, with armed police on patrol outside.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner was rushed to the Park Hotel in Carlton, Melbourne – an immigration detention facility – from the airport after landing from Dubai, guarded by armed police.
Djokovic’s mum claimed her son was trapped in a filthy hotel “full of fleas and maggots”.
FACE THE VAX
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic got involved, contacting Djokovic to offer his support.
However, Ms Andrews was clear: “He was not able to meet the requirements to provide the evidence he needed for entry into Australia.”
She echoed the comments of Australian health minister Greg Hunt, who said Djokovic had failed to provide “appropriate standards of proof” to enter the country.
The minister also explained Border Force Australia are on the warpath for passengers arriving Down Under without meeting entry requirements.
