Seldom has the airport in Belgrade been as in focus as it was on Monday. Novak Djokovic’s return from Australia was pending. Fans and the media were waiting for statements from the Serbs. But they didn’t get any.
For hours, some fans and media were ready for Novak Djokovic’s arrival at Belgrade Airport. They expected disappointment and criticism from the 34-year-old. But they got nothing. After the turbulent days in the bright limelight, the tennis star disappeared unnoticed through a side exit.
You can see footage of Djokovic’s arrival in Belgrade here or in the video above.
The fallen Djokovic had hardly landed at Nikola Tesla Airport when he was smuggled past the waiting reporters. Even the few fans who had posted flags and banners in front of the terminal did not see their beloved darling.
Eight of the waiting fans in front of the airport in Belgrade. (Source: Marko Djurica/Reuters)
Djokovic was seen again in the city, but there was no statement.
Shortly after returning: Djokovic drives with his brother in a car towards a residential complex. (Source: Marko Drobnjakovic/dpa)
The next problem is looming
Statements had to be given by his opponents. For days, the other athletes at the Australian Open were asked about their opinion on the Djokovic disaster. Not anymore. “I’m pretty fed up,” said Rafael Nadal. The topic got “so annoying at some point,” said Andrea Petkovic after her defeat in the first round.
Of course, the topic will not go away anytime soon, because another problem has arisen for Djokovic. As the AFP news agency reported on Monday, citing government circles, all athletes who want to take part in competitions in France will have to be vaccinated in the future. Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu said last week that exceptions could apply to events like the French Open, but now the opposite seems possible.
“At least it’s clear what’s happening,” said Olympic champion Alexander Zverev on Monday in Melbourne when asked about developments in France: “Then there won’t be the mistakes that happened here.”
In the meantime, Djokovic can continue to be sure of the moral support of his compatriots. Miomir Kecmanovic, against whom the designated number one should have played on Monday in the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, emphasized that he and all the other Serbs in the tournament had now decided to “do everything to avenge Djokovic” and “make him proud close”. Kecmanovic took a first step by beating Salvatore Caruso 6-4, 6-2, 6-1.
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