“It’s not worth waiting for, he’s gone through another door,” a security officer told several reporters present. Another staff member explained to AFP that the star had left the venue for “a technical exit”.
Dozens of fans had crowded in front of the airport to welcome their idol, enthusiastically waving Serbian flags.
“Novak is number one for us and for the whole world. Win or lose, we support him,” Djurdja Avramov, whose son wore a T-shirt with a heart and the word “Nole”, Djokovic’s nickname in Serbia, told AFP. .
“I’m a fan and what they’ve done to her is shameful“added Dragica, a retiree who declined to give her last name. “I love him. I am 71 years old and have trouble with my feet, but I have come anyway,” he said.
“Novak has won, it is the victory of good over evil.”, could be read on a banner displayed by Svetozar Alimpic, a 56-year-old merchant.
His sports career could be affected by this case.
The French authorities made it known this Monday that all athletes who come from abroad must be vaccinated to participate in the country, which leaves a doubt about their eventual presence at Roland-Garros.
The Australian tournament started on Monday without its main star, who has won it nine times.
Djokovic’s departure came after a legal dispute with the Australian authorities that polarized world opinion and damaged the image of both parties.
“Almost a week ago, when he won the case in the first instance, he was able to get his visa back and he was practicing. I said that justice had spoken,” Nadal said Monday in Melbourne after moving on to the second round.
“Yesterday the justice said something else. I will never be against what the justice says,” he added.