Nadal feels sorry for Djokovic but says Serb could be playing without a problem if he wanted to

Rafael Nadal says he feels sorry for Novak Djokovic after he was denied entry to Australia, but added the world number one could be playing “without a problem” if he had wanted to.

Djokovic, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, was due to defend his Australian Open title but had his visa revoked on arrival in Melbourne.

The Serb’s vaccine exemption to play in Australia has caused controversy.

Djokovic, who has previously said he is opposed to vaccination, has had his deportation delayed until Monday.

The 34-year-old is being held in a government detention hotel, his lawyers having lodged an urgent appeal before the delay to deportation was confirmed.

The tournament starts on 17 January.

“I think if he wanted, he would be playing here in Australia without a problem,” Nadal said, following victory at a warm-up tournament in Melbourne.

“He made his own decisions, and everybody is free to take their own decisions, but then there are some consequences.

“Of course I don’t like the situation that is happening. In some way, I feel sorry for him. But at the same time, he knew the conditions since a lot of months ago, so he makes his own decision.”

MP for Australia’s governing Liberal Party Warren Entsch said Djokovic could “fix” the issue immediately by explaining to border authorities why he is medically exempt.