The father of Novak Djokovic has compared his son to Jesus following outcry about his vaccination status, saying that people were trying to “crucify” him like Christ.
The tennis superstar was due to play at the Australian Open, but has since been detained due to issues with his visa.
Although he hasn’t released a formal comment, Djokovic has spoken out against the vaccine in the past, and is not currently believed to be vaccinated.
Now, he has become somewhat of a political mascot for both sides of the vaccination debate. Australia continues to have some of the strictest coronavirus entry restrictions in the world, leaving many wondering why Djokovic has been allowed an exemption to enter the country, whilst others have faced yet another Christmas away from their loved ones.
He entered Australia on Wednesday, January 5, providing forms to suggest he was exempt from the entry restrictions. However, due to issues with the forms, he has since been detained.
The player – who is a proud Serbian Orthodox – has spent the Orthodox Christmas Day in quarantine.
Speaking as part of a press conference, his father compared Novak’s plight to that of Christ himself.
He said: “They nailed Jesus to the cross and did all sorts to him. He withstood. And he still lives among us. In the same way also, they are trying to crucify Novak. To underestimate him. To bring him to his knees.”
Novak Djokovic has thanked fans for their support, and remains in quarantine in Melbourne.