Novak Djokovic has hit out at the BBC as he claimed they ‘cut out' parts of his interview after he spoke to the broadcaster about the chaos that played out in Melbourne last month.
Djokovic travelled Down Under to compete in January’s Australian Open, however upon arrival he had his visa cancelled by border control due to his COVID-19 vaccination status.
The Serb was then detained in a quarantine hotel in Melbourne for a number of days before finally being released.
This however was short lived as despite two appeals, Djokovic was ordered to be deported by Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke.
Following the saga, the soon-to-be-deposed world No1 spoke with the BBC to discuss what he went through, and how his opposition to getting the vaccine could well affect his career.
He revealed that while he did not identify as an ‘anti-vaxxer’, he said he was more than willing to miss out on winning titles if it meant being able to remain unvaccinated.
Nearly two weeks on though, Djokovic clearly isn’t happy with what he claims is an unfair portrayal of him by the broadcaster after claiming the BBC had ‘cut parts’ from the interview.
He told Sport Klub: “I was painted in a really ugly manner. I was humiliated, if I may say so, on a world stage.
"That is why it is important for me to have the opportunity to say something. I will repeat what I said to the BBC, because I don’t have more to add.
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"I’ve done everything that was asked of me. There is a belief that I was privileged in a way, that I [got the exemption] because of my stature.
"I will keep saying it and repeat it like a parrot, although the BBC has cut that part of the interview."
Djokovic went on to suggest an unvaccinated female player and coach were both allowed to stay in Melbourne, with the player competing in the women's main draw, having both been handed the same exemption Djokovic was originally granted.
Despite his recent troubles, Djokovic was finally back on the court at the Dubai Tennis Championships this week.
However, things did not go to plan for the Serbian after he was knocked out in the quarter-finals after losing to Jiri Vesely in straight sets.
The defeat ensured his 25-month stay at the top of the world rankings will come to an end next week, with Daniil Medvedev set to pass him when the rankings are updated on Monday.
