Novak Djokovic has been denied entry into Australia to compete in the Australian Open as he failed to meet the COVID vaccine-entry requirements.
The world number 1 in tennis is currently being held in detention at an immigration facility, and the state of Victoria has told its officials to deport Djokovic from the country.
What happened?
The first grand slam of the year, the Australian Open, is scheduled to commence on the 17th of January. Melbourne, usual, is hosting the competition, and the city is buzzing with players and fans coming in for the event.
Djokovic landed at the Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne on Wednesday to begin his preparations for the tournament. But he couldn’t get past the border control due to his vaccination status. Thus, his visa was revoked, citing a failure to “provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements.”
The Serbian had previously said in April 2020 that he was not pro-vaccine and would not like to be compelled to be vaccinated so that he could travel.
Entry Requirements for the Tournament
With over 3000 players and support staff travelling to the city, the government and tournament organizers set strict entry rules to avoid a Covid outbreak and run the event without mishaps.
The participants must be vaccinated against Covid-19 and would be allowed to participate without vaccination only if they had a medical exemption or were infected by the virus in the past 6-months. A medical exemption is granted after two panels of independent experts have assessed the case.
The 34-year-old was granted a medical exemption to defend his title but reportedly could not submit appropriate evidence.
Djokovic Challenge against Australian Border Force’s (ABF) Decision
The 9-time Australian Open champion has challenged ABF’s decision to deport him from Australia. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia will give its verdict regarding the matter on Monday.
‘No special favours’
Australian Open Chief, Craig Tiley, insisted there were ‘no special favours’ given to the 20-time Grand Slam winner. The exemption process was under scrutiny, questioning its integrity as Djokovic was exempted, Tiley replied to the accusations.
“Any person who met the conditions has been allowed to come in. There’s been no special favour. There’s been no special opportunity granted to Novak.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison also reacted to the situation. “Rules are rules and there are no special cases”, the PM said.
Country backs Djokovic
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic talked to Djokovic over the phone and promised complete support to the country’s star athlete.
“The whole of Serbia is with him and our authorities are undertaking all measures in order that maltreatment of the world’s best tennis player ends as soon as possible,” Vucic addressed.
With all the commotion off the field, Djokovic, if allowed to compete, will be raring to go and lay hands on his 21st Grand Slam title.
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