2022 in tennis took the world by storm. Defending champion Novak Djokovic was deported on the eve of the Australian Open for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. Questions were raised, and controversies sparked everywhere surrounding the move. But there was one who showed her compassionate side towards the Serbian superstar.

The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, had showered sympathy on Novak Djokovic in the same year of his deportation from the Australian Open. Let’s look back at that moment when Middleton spoke to the tennis icon.

Kate Middleton stood beside Novak Djokovic during his hard time 

Novak Djokovic didn’t get the chance to defend his title in 2022 as his VISA was canceled twice by the Australian Government. Djokovic, who was unvaccinated at that time against COVID-19, had cited a medical exemption. The Serbian believed he would be allowed to take part in the first Grand Slam of the season. But that didn’t happen. He was forced to leave the country when it was found that his travel form contained wrong information.

Later that year, Novak Djokovic took part in the Wimbledon and then went on to clinch the title as well. During the prize ceremony, Kate Middleton congratulated the Serbian and said, “It was especially hard this year because you haven’t had family here, limited team and the bubbles.” While Middleton is a tennis fan, serving as Patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, she’s also a family person. The Duchess of Cambridge understands what one’s family can mean and acknowledged Djokovic’s pain of separation as soon as she could.

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2022 didn’t start too well for the Serb but he came back to Australia later that year. Recalling those moments from the 2022 AO Djokovic had said, “You can’t forget those events. It’s one of those things that stick with you. It stays with you for the rest of your life. It’s something I’ve never experienced before and hopefully never again, but it is valuable for me. Coming back speaks about how I feel about this country.”

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Now, he’s yet again in the ‘Land Down Under’. 10 out of his 24 Grand Slam titles came in Australia. Can the Serbinator finally land his 25th major title?

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