Novak Djokovic's deportation from Australia has incurred the wrath of the president of Serbia, who blasted officials Down Under for their 'mistreatment' of the tennis star.
The long-running visa saga involving the world number one finally came to an end early on Sunday morning, when a court ruled once and for all that he could not stay in Melbourne.
He had arrived in Australia 11 days ago, but had his visa cancelled at the airport by Border Force officials over an issue with his documentation.
That decision was later overturned on appeal, but then immigration minister Alex Hawke stepped in and used his personal powers to cancel the visa anyway.
Djokovic's lawyers could not dig him out of that second hole, and he was seen boarding a plane to be taken out of the country shortly after the end of his second court case.
While many were pleased with the outcome, one of those left furious was the president of Serbia – where Djokovic is seen as a national hero.
Aleksandar Vucic reacted to the news by accusing Australian prime minister Scott Morison of using the situation as an opportunity to score political points ahead of the next Federal Election later this year.
"You saw in the pointless court proceeding how much the prosecution lied," the Serbian premier said after the verdict was announced.
"They are simply lying. They say there are fewer than 50 per cent vaccinated people in Serbia and officially the number is 58 per cent.
"Don't forget that's higher than in many European countries. That was a pointless argument, but that's possible in Orwellian performances.
"To mistreat the best tennis player for 11 days, and on the 11th day hand him the decision made on the first day…
"Thank you to the Australian people as I am sure they love Serbs. They think they have humiliated Djokovic, but they have humiliated themselves and he can return to his country and look everyone in the eyes with his head held high."
In an attempt to claim the moral high ground, Vucic went on to assert that his country "won't mistreat" Australian athletes when they travel to Serbia in March for an athletics event.
Meanwhile, Aussie PM Morrison welcomed the verdict, which meant Djokovic would be deported and will take no part in the Australian Open, which begins on Monday.
"I welcome the decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe," he said in a statement.
"As I said on Friday, Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the result of those sacrifices to be protected.
"Over the pandemic, together we have achieved one of the lowest death rates, strongest economies and highest vaccination rates, in the world.
"Strong borders are fundamental to the Australian way of life as is the rule of law."
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