Djokovic does not defend the Australian Open title: the country has revoked his visa, he must fly! – Športky.sk

MELBOURNE – The Australian government has revoked the visa of Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic and ordered him to leave the country. The world leader and defending champion at the Australian Open did not meet the strict entry requirements, local authorities said.

“Persons who do not have a valid visa or have been revoked on entry will be detained and expelled from Australia.” AFP cites local authorities. Referring to the Australian media, the BBC reported that he should be expelled from the country on Thursday, but Djokovic’s lawyers appear to be challenging the government’s decision.

He was guarded at the airport

The 20-time Grand Slam champion arrived in the country to defend his Australian Open title. Although he received a medical exemption, he had problems on Wednesday after arriving in Melbourne, where they found out that he did not have the correct visa to enter. He was detained at the airport, where he was guarded in a closed room.

A question mark hung over Djokovic’s participation in the tournament for a long time. The Serb refused to say whether he was vaccinated against the coronavirus, which is a condition of the host state of Victoria. The nine-time champion from Melbourne claimed that information about the vaccination was his private matter. He announced on social media on Tuesday that he had received a medical exemption and was heading to Melbourne, where he wanted to fight for a record 21st Grand Slam title.

However, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Djokovic’s start at the Australian Open was not yet a done deal. Although the organizers decide to participate in the tournament and grant an exemption, entry into the country must be approved by the federal government. It is responsible for border measures and visas. Like all unvaccinated passengers who want to enter Australia by way of exception, Djokovic had to provide the relevant documents to immigration officials upon arrival.

• The author: © List
• Source: TASR