Two of the nine have been confirmed to be players – Djokovic and Czech doubles player Renata Voracova. According to Ozmo, one person was a coach, while the remaining six were event organizers or media persons.

Voracova was allowed into the country and played a match at the Melbourne Summer Set. However, after the Serb’s case blew up, she was detained by immigration authorities and eventually deported from Australia.

Unlike Djokovic, Voracova decided not to appeal the matter. The Czech agreed that she was “collateral damage”, and expressed hope that the Serb would win his legal battle.

Meanwhile, Ozmo tracked down the coach who entered Australia with a medical exemption. The person in question is Filip Serdarusic, who is the brother and coach of World No. 246 Nino Serdarusic.

Filip Serdarusic entered Australia three days before Novak Djokovic

The Croat reportedly entered Australia three days before Djokovic and although he was initially told he had to quarantine for 14 days, he was later allowed to move freely.

Serdarusic revealed that he was not vaccinated but had recently contracted the COVID-19 infection. He applied for the same medical exemption as the 20-time Grand Slam champion, and received his visa.

Serdarusic disclosed that, similar to Voracova, immigration authorities contacted him on the day Djokovic arrived. He was told that his exemption was not valid and that he would have to leave the country or reapply for another visa.

Just like Voracova, the Croat remarked that he did not have the resources to fight the legal battle. He felt the Australian government “came after the rest of us” after they had detained Djokovic, who was their intended target.

Serdarusic, who is back in Belgrade, also accused the Australian government of using Djokovic as a political pawn.

As things stand, Djokovic is in detention ahead of his hearing on Sunday. If the Serb does not win in court, he will not be allowed to defend his title at the Australian Open. He will also be deported and potentially banned from entering the country for three years.

Also check out: Updated ATP Men’s Tennis Rankings

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