Tennis star Novak Djokovic misses the Australian Open after the country's interior minister Alex Hawke made the decision to deny the Serb a visa.

Björn Hellberg, a journalist and often seen as a "tennis oracle", believes that Djokovic only has himself to blame.

- It has been a real circus.

If he now does not want to be vaccinated, it is up to him, and that should be respected.

But then he, for his part, must also respect the rules and laws that exist.

(Rafael) Nadal recently stated that Djokovic has known about this for several months.

You can hardly request a special treatment, he says to SVT Sport.

"An incredible break"

Hellberg emphasizes, however, that from a purely sporting point of view, it is very sad that Djokovic will not participate.

- Most big players have their special arena of happiness.

Nadal thrives very well in Paris and Federer in Wimbledon.

Djokovic has had the Australian Open as his home, you could say.

He has won it nine times, almost half of his grand slam titles.

Sportingly an incredible break for Djokovic who also aims to not only be the first to reach 21 grand slam titles in the men's singles but also to be the first since the great Rod Laveratt to bring home a real grand slam.

He also believes that Djokovic has seemed unbalanced lately and that the 34-year-old may get a welcome break as he was denied a visa.

- It does not strengthen his image in any way.

In recent years, he has also had strange outbursts where he sent balls to linemen, among other things.

"Well thought his position and power would suffice"

How do you think the Australian Open will be affected?

- It shows others that you have to adapt to the rules, which most have done.

If you do not do that, you have to take the consequences.

Djokovic is in Melbourne and is ready to defend the title and then he is met by this.

He well thought that his position and power would suffice.

Have you heard anything about how the players down there talk about this?

- I have got the impression that most people are against Djokovic's position.

(Stefanos) Tsitsipas from Greece, for example, was very critical of the behavior.

I do not think he has any major support.