Why has Novak Djokovic's Australian visa been cancelled?
Alex Hawke, the Australian Minister for Immigration, has cancelled Novak Djokovic's Australian visa "on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so." Record nine-times Australian Open winner Djokovic had earlier this week won a court case against the cancellation of his entry visa to the country.
Why is Novak Djokovic being deported from Melbourne?
Novak Djokovic flew into Melbourne planning to defend his Australian Open title. Instead he is being held in an immigration hotel and, pending a court challenge, is set to be deported after a remarkable series of events led to his visa being cancelled. How did it get to this point? How do I sign up for sport breaking news alerts?
What does Djokovic's Australian immigration minister's intervention mean for him?
The personal intervention by Australia's Immigration Minister arrives four days after Djokovic won a reprieve in a court case reversing an earlier decision to cancel his entry visa to the country.
What did Aleksandar Vučić say to Novak Djokovic?
The president of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, said he had spoken to the country’s star. “I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world’s best tennis player is brought to an end immediately.
Why Has Novak Djokovic's Visa Been Canceled?
The visa controversy surrounding Djokovic stems from him not being vaccinated for COVID-19, despite obtaining an exemption against the jab.
What Happens To Djokovic Now?
The decision could, at its most drastic, mean the World Number One is deported from the country.
What are Djokovic’s chances?
His lawyers are seeking the same outcome as the first hearing but it will be more difficult because the grounds for a successful appeal are much narrower in this case.
What happens now?
Djokovic was not detained on Friday night but will be on Saturday morning before a meeting with immigration officials.
Why has the decision been taken?
Hawke cited “health and good order grounds” and said he believed it was in the public interest to send Djokovic home.
What did the Australian Border Force say about Novak Djokovic's medical exemption?
Before we delve deeper, let us take a look at the statement released by the Australian Border Force once they canceled Novak Djokovic's visa.
Reasons why Novak Djokovic's visa could have been rejected
It is pertinent to note that the reasons for Novak Djokovic's medical exemption are still unclear.
Novak Djokovic secured a medical exemption reviewed by a panel set up by the Victorian Department of Health. Should that not suffice?
The exemption secured by Djokovic has clearly not proven to be sufficient. A panel of reviewers was directly appointed by the Victorian Department of Health, but it is pertinent to note that all applications were sent anonymously, meaning Djokovic was not given preferential treatment..
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'Given Mr Djokovic's high profile status and position as a role model in the sporting and broader community, his ongoing presence in Australia may foster similar disregard for the precautionary requirements following receipt of a positive Covid-19 test in Australia,' the immigration minister said.
NOVAK DJOKOVIC'S AUSTRALIAN OPEN SAGA
Novak Djokovic's defence of his Australian Open title remains in doubt after Australian immigration officials cancelled his visa for the second time.
Where Is Djokovic Now, and What Happens from Here?
- After his visa was denied, Djokovic's lawyers immediately launched an appeal to overturn the decision. A hearing between his attorneys and officials from the minister of immigration's office was held Thursday, and it was decided Djokovic could remain in the country -- sequestered and i…
Did Anyone from Djokovic's Home Country of Serbia Get Involved?
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spoke by phone to Djokovic while he was at the airport and vowed to do whatever the country could to help. Vucic posted about their conversation on Instagramshortly after. "I told our Novak that [all of] Serbia is with him, and that our authorities are taking all measures to stop the harassment of the best tennis player in the world," Vucic said in …
How Did Other Players React to The News?
- Many felt similarly to the Australian public when the initial exemption was revealed. "I think if it was me that wasn't vaccinated I wouldn't be getting an exemption," former world No. 1 doubles player Jamie Murray told reporters at the ATP Cup this week. "You know, but well done to him for getting clear to come to Australia and compete." Other players have been more sympathetic to D…
What Does This Mean For The Tournament?
- Quite a bit! Djokovic has won more singles titles at the Australian Open than any other player in the Open era, and was in search of his 10th trophy in Melbourne, as well as a record-breaking 21st major title. Having narrowly and devastatingly lost the elusive Calendar Slam at the US Open in September, Djokovic was undoubtedly looking forward to returning to his favorite Slam. Djokovic…