Serbia says Australia's decision to deport Djokovic 'scandalous'

FILE PHOTO: Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic speaks during an interview with Reuters in Belgrade, Serbia, January 11, 2022. REUTERS/Zorana Jevtic

BELGRADE (Reuters) - Serbia's premier on Sunday denounced as "scandalous" Australia's decision to deport tennis superstar Novak Djokovic over his decision not to be vaccinated against COVID-19, and the Serbian president said he would always be welcome in his homeland.

A unanimous ruling by a three-judge bench rejecting Djokovic's appeal against the cancellation of his visa dealt a final blow to his hopes of chasing a record 21st Grand Slam win at the Australian Open.