2 weeks ago
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Polarising broadcaster Piers Morgan has stunned many of his social media followers after apologising to Novak Djokovic - especially given he publicly labelled the Serbian tennis superstar a 'liar' and 'cheat' during the 2022 Australian Open scandal.
At the time, Djokovic refused to reveal his Covid vaccination status – and he was deported by then-Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke.
Almost four years later, Morgan and Djokovic sat down for a soon-to-be-released interview, and the broadcaster started the conversation by revealing his desire to 'make an apology' for the attack.
Djokovic replied, 'It speaks volumes about the person that you are.'
Morgan had a very different opinion of Djokovic during the ugly saga which played out in Melbourne.
Once Djokovic was sent home by Hawke after a court ruling, the media identity took to X – and was typically blunt.
Polarising broadcaster Piers Morgan (pictured) has made a stunning apology to Novak Djokovic over his remarks about the star when he was deported from Australia
At the time, Djokovic refused to reveal his Covid vaccination status, leading to his deportation by then Immigration Minister Alex Hawke
Almost four years later, Morgan and Djokovic sat down for a soon to be released interview, and the broadcaster started the conversation by revealing his desire to 'make an apology'
'BREAKING: Covid rule cheat, immigration form liar, & anti-vaxxer icon Novak Djokovic loses final appeal against deportation & will be thrown out of Australia without being able to compete in Aus Open. Good,' he tweeted.
Morgan's hostile tweet resonated with many of his 8.8 million followers - but he also had his detractors.
And while he was seething at the final outcome in early 2022, Djokovic released a statement confirming he 'respects the ruling' after it played out in court.
'I would like to address the outcomes of the court hearing,' his statement read.
'I am extremely disappointed with the court ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the Minister's decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.
'I respect the court's ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.
'I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me.... and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love.
'Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me.'
Meanwhile, further in the teaser interview clip, 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic conceded to Morgan he may struggle to beat Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz in future majors given he is in the twilight of his career.
That includes Melbourne Park next January, where Djokovic, 38, has hoisted the Australian Open trophy an incredible 10 times dating back to 2008.
'Yes, I do have more doubts that I can win more Slams, particularly against those two guys,' he admitted.
Djokovic also confirmed it would be 'a dream' to one day play his 11-year-old son Stefan in a professional match - but he would be typically ruthless on court, telling Morgan: 'I would kick his a*se.'
