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Novak Djokovic’s dad says son’s treatment in Australia is like Jesus’ crucifixion

Published 09:40 7 Jan 2022 GMT

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Srđan Djokovic believes his son is being persecuted and 'imprisoned'

Novak Djokovic's dad, Srđan, has come to his son's defence, comparing his plight in the ongoing Australian Open saga to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Speaking at a press conference following protests held outside Serbian parliament, where the 61-year-old claimed his son is "not in detention, he’s in prison", he and mother Dijana launched a tirade against the Australian government and their decision to revoke his visa. As you can see in the clip, the Djokovic family believe he is experiencing "unprecedented treatment", stating that not only is it a clear political attack on the tennis star but on Serbia as well, stating that Novak is Serbia and Serbia is Novak [...] and with that, they also tread on Serbia and the Serbian people". Srđan then goes on to double-down on the persecution rhetoric, arguing that just as "They nailed Jesus to the cross and did all sorts to him [...] In the same way, they are also trying to crucify Novak; to underestimate him, to bring him to his knees." The latest from Australian authorities is that the 34-year-old will be deported if he lied about the vaccine - the current belief now being that visa problems were encountered because his team did not file adequate travel with exemption paperwork. However, many who have lived under strict lockdown believe he shouldn't be given special treatment regardless. At the moment, Djokovic is still in Melbourne awaiting confirmation as to the nation's decision, as the meeting to decide whether he will once again be granted the exemption he was initially dispensed. Novak's camp insist that he "filed the same type of documents as those 25 other tennis players" but that he is the only one being punished and confined to a quarantine hotel. Meanwhile, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic told Sky News, "We will try to do our best to make sure Novak is treated equally and gets all the rights that he's entitled to."