Djokovic's wife calls for 'love and forgiveness' as tennis star held in anti-vax row

6 January 2022, 15:18 | Updated: 7 January 2022, 09:30

Jelena Djokovic has broken her silence over her husband's detainment
Jelena Djokovic has broken her silence over her husband's detainment. Picture: Alamy

By Will Taylor

Novak Djokovic's wife has called for "forgiveness" and said love is "the only law that we should all respect" amid an ongoing diplomatic row over her husband's Australian visa status.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Jelena Djokovic took to Twitter to thank people for their support for her husband, and said she was finding "gratitude" in his situation despite the fact they could not be together.

"It's Christmas today for us, my wishes are for everyone to be healthy, happy, safe and together with families," she wrote.

"We wish we are all together today, but my consolation is that at least we are healthy. And we will grow from this experience.

"Thank you dear people, all around the world for using your voice to send love to my husband. I am taking a deep breath to calm down and find gratitude (and understanding) in this moment for all that is happening.

"The only law that we should all respect across every single border is Love and respect for another human being. Love and forgiveness is never a mistake but a powerful force."

The men's world number one was denied entry to Australia on Wednesday before being moved to a quarantine hotel in Melbourne.

It came after a huge backlash over the decision to grant Djokovic an exemption from the requirement to be vaccinated against Covid in order to play in the upcoming Australian Open, one of the main tennis competitions in the calendar.

Novak Djokovic's father has compared the embattled tennis star to slave revolt leader Spartacus, telling reporters: "Tonight they can throw him in a dungeon, tomorrow they can put him in chains.

"The truth is he is like water and water paves its own path.

"Novak is the Spartacus of the new world which won't tolerate injustice, colonialism and hypocrisy."

Read more: Novak Djokovic to be held in Australia detention hotel for days in vaccine row

Spartacus was a gladiator who led a slave uprising against ancient Rome, which enjoyed major success as it campaigned throughout Italy, and is held up today as a prime example of a freedom fighter.

Djokovic, meanwhile, holds the joint record for the most men's grand slam titles - 20, alongside Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

No special rules for Novak Djokovic says Australian Prime Minister

The decision to grant the Serb exemption from vaccine requirements provoked a backlash in a country that has imposed tight Covid restrictions since the pandemic began.

Djokovic has not publicly disclosed his vaccination status and has been considered an opponent of the jabs.

On Wednesday, it was announced that a visa error, apparently caused by a member of his support team, had prevented him from gaining entry.

His father had said he was being held in a room guarded by police after getting stuck at Melbourne airport, but the star will wait for his hearing in a hotel.

Djokovic's mother, Dijana, has said "they want to clip his wing".

Relatives say the visa issue arose because of a "political agenda".

Australia's prime minister Scott Morrison has insisted Djokovic would not receive special treatment.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Andres Felipe Valencia Barrientos, the British YouTuber and rapper known as ‘Yung Filly' is seen leaving the Perth Magistrates Court in Perth, Thursday, December 19,

British rapper Yung Filly facing additional charges linked to sexual assault of woman in Australia

People look over damage to buildings following Israeli airstrikes on June 13 in Tehran.

Middle East braces for 'all out war' after Israel launches 'pre-emptive strike' against Iran as Tehran responds with 'around 100 drones'

Smoke rises up after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Friday, June 13, 2025.

Israel launches strikes on Iran 'nuclear sites' with explosions heard in Tehran - as US says it's 'not involved'

Exclusive
Sir Sadiq Khan has told LBC News that he's concerned knife crime could rise because the Met Police weren't given more funding in Rachel Reeves' spending review.

Sadiq Khan warns knife crime could rise after Met Police miss out in Rachel Reeves' spending review

Officer Clive Kunder, top right, and Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, bottom right, warned the plane was losing power moments before it crashed.

Air India pilot's chilling 'mayday' call as he warned plane was 'losing power' moments before crash killed 229 on board

The PSNI chief said the initial lawful and legitimate process before unrest broke out was done in a way that was responsible and empathetic to the victim.

Police come under attack for fourth night in Northern Ireland as force say 'bigots and racists' behind unrest

Tottenham have appointed Thomas Frank as their new head coach, the Premier League club have announced.

Thomas Frank joins Spurs as new boss on three-year deal

A family-of-three, a wellness influencer couple, and a hotel manager travelling with his wife and two children, are among the Brits who were on board the Air India Flight.

The Brits on board crashed Air India flight as 52 UK nationals confirmed dead

Air India confirms only one survivor from 242 people on board Ahmedabad plane crash

Air India confirms only one survivor from 242 people on board Ahmedabad plane crash

Pro-Palestinian activists shout slogans while waving Palestinian flags as around one and a half thousand participants in the Resilience Convoy depart from Tunis, Tunisia.

Egypt deports and detains dozens of activists participating in march to Gaza in bid to end Israeli blockade

Aria Aber, Miranda July, Nussaibah Younis, Elizabeth Strout, Sanam Mahloudji and Yael van der Wouden attend the 2025 Women's Prize Winner's Ceremony, taking place at Bedford Square Gardens, London.

'A classic in the making': Debut novel by Dutch author wins 2025 Women’s Prize for Fiction

Walker looking out over the peak of Yr Aran and a fog filled Nant Gwynant Valley

Two women dead after 'incident' in Snowdonia National Park

The Belgium midfielder was warmly greeted by fans in Italy as he arrived for his medical on Thursday having agreed a deal with the Serie A champions

Kevin De Bruyne joins Napoli on free transfer after Man City exit

Sverre Halseth Nypan of Rosenborg during the Eliteserien match between Bodø/Glimt and Rosenborg on May 24, 2025 in Bodø.

Manchester City agree £12.5m fee for Rosenberg teen Sverre Nypan as summer spending spree continues

David Walliams attending the gala screening of Queer, at the Curzon Mayfair in London. Picture date: Tuesday December 10, 2024.

David Walliams 'gives two Nazi salutes' during recording of popular game show

The pop sensation, 29, said it was a "really special feeling" to announce the news, having been with the 35-year-old Londoner for almost a year and a half

Dua Lipa confirms engagement to actor Callum Turner after a year-and-a-half romance