Former British No. 1 Tim Henman has taken a page out of Rafael Nadal 's book in regards to Novak Djokovic 's deportation from Australia, which he has suggested was the correct outcome.
One of the most contentious sagas in modern tennis came to a close after Djokovic returned to Serbia via Dubai, delaying his quest for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.
The nine-time Australian Open champion left Melbourne after having his via cancelled for the second time in a week, barred from participating as he has not received the Covid-19 vaccine and is not medically exempt.
Long-time rival Nadal took a less sympathetic view of the situation after Djokovic was first rejected upon arrival in Australia and said that while he felt sorry for the world No. 1, there are consequences to not getting the jab.
And Henman has adopted a similar stance, acknowledging that tournament organisers and governments set the requirements to play elite tennis, and there can be repercussions to not adhering to those rules.
"It's been a bad look for everyone, whether that's been Tennis Australia, the Victorian state or the Australian government,' Henman told the Daily Mail.
"The one point I would make is that to be a professional tennis player, there are certain things you need to do. Travelling is one of them, if you don't like it, professional tennis is going to be difficult.
"The reality is looking at the vaccination, if you want to play professional tennis, it's a global sport, you need to get vaccinated.
"I absolutely respect that any human being has choice. If they don't want to get vaccinated, I respect that - that is their choice. However, as I think Rafael Nadal eloquently put: decisions have consequences.
"When you look at the life of a professional tennis player, when you're travelling around the world, it would be a lot more straightforward if you are vaccinated."
Djokovic has been vocal in his opposition against the vaccine, but this is the first major competition in which his unvaccinated status has prevented him from competing altogether.
The setback is particularly damaging considering the Serb sits on the verge of becoming the first man to win 21 majors, eclipsing Roger Federer, with whom he currently sits level on 20 apiece.
Victory in Melbourne would have also seen Djokovic become the first player in the Open Era to win four consecutive Australian Open titles.
Four-time Wimbledon semi-finalist Henman isn't completely insensitive to Nole's difference in opinion regarding the vaccine, although he insisted nothing should have been left to doubt.
"All these grey areas could've and should've sorted out long before he actually arrived at border control in Melbourne," the 27-year-old continued.
"That's where all of this could have been avoided. That's the disappointing element for everyone."
Australia's Minister for Immigration, Alex Hawke, said it was "in the public interest" to cancel Djokovic's visa, with the world watching to see if the country would soften its stance for tennis' top talent.
But not even the most successful player in Australian Open history could alter the country's stance, and Henman added: "It's not whether you're the best tennis player in the world, if you're very famous or very wealthy, these are the rules for Australia. I don't think the government seem to have handled it very well."
With a judgement on Djokovic's case, the tournament and tennis itself can take centre stage after the Australia Open got underway Monday.
A new men's champion will be crowned for the first time since 2018 without him in contention, and Daniil Medvedev is now the top seed following Djokovic's departure.
Lucky loser Salvatore Caruso took the world No. 1's place in the first round and was knocked out by Miomir Kecmanovic, another Serb who has indicated he now wants to 'avenge' his compatriot.
Nadal, who won his only Australian Open in 2009, will also fancy his chances more with the top contender no longer competing, having last reached the Melbourne final in 2019.
