Novak Djokovic will have to go to a law court if he wants to make it onto a tennis court at the Australian Open.
After being held by Immigration overnight, the tennis World Number One’s visa has been cancelled in a twist which could see him flown out of the country as early as today.
Border Force made the decision to cancel his visa on the grounds he’s failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet requirements to enter the country.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says “rules are rules, and there are no special cases.”
“The ABF has done their job – entry with a visa requires double vaccination, or a medical exemption,” said Mr Morrison, “I’m advised that such an exemption was not in place, and as a result, he is subject to the same rule as anyone else”.
Djokovic has been moved to a quarantine hotel and is expected to be deported.
The 20 time Grand Slam winner has removed the Australian Open from his schedule on his official website.
Serbian President, Aleksandar Vucic, has spoken with Djokovic on the phone, telling him: “our authorities are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world’s best tennis player is brought to an end immediately.’
On Wednesday, Djokovic had posted on Twitter that he was “heading Down Under with an exemption permission”.
Photo credit: Neale Cousland / Shutterstock.com
