Djokovic received calls from his native Serbia, including from his parents and the president, who hoped to boost his spirits on the holiday. On Instagram, he posted: "Thank you to the people around the world for your continuous support. I can feel it and it is greatly appreciated.”The 34-year-old athlete and vaccine skeptic was barred from entering the country late Wednesday when federal border authorities at the Melbourne airport rejected his medical exemption to Australia's strict COVID-19 vaccination requirements. All players, staff, officials and fans need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter the tournament venue. Djokovic flew to Australia after obtaining a medical exemption backed by the country's tennis federation and approved by the Victoria state government.

Source: CBC News January 08, 2022 14:46 UTC