Crowds gather to greet deported Djokovic as he returns to Serbia (VIDEO)

By Updates

January 17, 2022

Updates

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Novak Djokovic has landed back in Belgrade after his Australian deportation saga

Serbian tennis icon Novak Djokovic has arrived back in his homeland after being ordered to leave Australia. A crowd of fans gathered to greet Djokovic upon his return, following a fraught fortnight Down Under.

Djokovic touched down in Belgrade on Monday shortly after midday local time after traveling from Melbourne via Dubai.

It was an early return for the 34-year-old after he was deported from Australia following defeat in his last-ditch legal battle to remain in the country on Sunday.

Supporters gathered at Belgrade Airport to show support for their hero, with many waving Serbian flags and chanting.

Some said they had traveled from other parts of the country to be there for Djokovic’s arrival, while there was also a large media presence.

Djokovic did not emerge to greet the crowds but was filmed making his way into the airport terminal.

In stark contrast to much of the mood in Australia, Djokovic has received staunch backing in his homeland throughout his visa ordeal.

Skyscrapers were illuminated in the Serbian capital bearing his nickname ‘Nole’ in his honor on Sunday.

Another message from Belgrade Tower: Come home Nole, your people love you! 🥺🇷🇸❤️@DjokerNole#WeStandWithNovak

🎥: @nszoranans pic.twitter.com/PGx6mj8qQO

— #WeStandWithNovak (@Slavica_NoleFam) January 16, 2022

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said the 20-time Grand Slam winner – who is unvaccinated but had arrived in Melbourne with a medical exemption to compete – has been made a scapegoat by Australia for political purposes.

“We can’t wait to see him in Serbia, to return to his country, to come where he is always welcome,” Vucic had said after confirmation that Djokovic was being deported.

“They think they humiliated Djokovic with this, the best player in the world, by the ten-day harassment, they humiliated themselves and Djokovic can return to his country with his head high up and look everyone in the eye.”