Novak Djokovic's former coach: We opened champagne and celebrated

• Tennis News
• Novak Djokovic

Ladis Lars Kis revealed he immediately started celebrating after the judge ruled in favor of Novak Djokovic. Lars Kis, a former coach of Djokovic, described the 34-year-old as the Serbian national hero. After landing in Australia on January 5, Djokovic was detained for nine hours before the Australian Border Force revoked his visa.

Djokovic appealed the decision and was transported to an immigration hotel. "We celebrated immediately — we opened champagne and the judge was our hero," Lars Kis said, per Sportskeeda. "From the Serbian side, Novak is our national hero and I think this day will be celebrated as a national day.

It's a big win in court but also for sport, tennis is what it is thanks to him."

'Djokovic means so much to us'

Djokovic had his visa court hearing on Monday and the judge decided to reinstate the Serb's visa. "From my perspective as an immigration agent I was interested in the case but also as a fan in Serbia," Lars Kis said.

"He means so much to us. "It truly is a win for not just Novak but for a lot of people. I am in some way very proud of this country that justice did prevail, and the judge ruled in favour of this case." However, the situation isn't over as Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke could still decide to revoke Djokovic's visa.

"The bottom line is from being upset, it's going to cause rage in the Serbian community if he gets deported," Lars Kis said. "This is probably the only tournament he's won without hitting a tennis ball. He won this court tournament without hitting a single shot." Meanwhile, Djokovic's father, Srdjan, applauded the judge for making the "right decision." "The judge was fantastic. He simply respected the facts and he took the only possible decision : let Novak make his job," Srdjan Djokovic said.