Novak Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled by Australian Border Force as the top-ranked star faces the real prospect of being forced to leave Australia.
The Serbian star has been detained at Melbourne Airport this morning for more than seven hours.
Djokovic’s lawyers are in the process of challenging the decision, two sources familiar with the situation confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
It’s understood Djokovic has been separated from his coach Goran Ivanisevic and his support staff have been processed.
They’ve opted to remain at the airport, with some reports claiming the world No.1 will be moved to a hotel.
The SMH and The Age reports a federal government source familiar with the episode said there had been doubt about whether Djokovic had appropriate documentation to justify his exemption. Unvaccinated people need to show papers at the border before they’re given the all clear.
Commonwealth reviewing Djokovic exemption
The point of conflict is whether a COVID-19 infection in the past six months was an adequate reason to secure entry into Australia under federal guidelines. It’s understood this underpins Djokovic’s exemption.
The decision has been described as a publicity stunt by a Tennis Australia source, with the move only targeting Djokovic and not other players who had already entered the country with the same exemption.
Djokovic granted Australian Open exemption
“I don’t know how the Feds will [address the fact that] several tennis players are already in the country with the same exemption granted to Novak,” the source told The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
“This looks to us like the Feds are responding to the media by letting some players in but not the world No.1.”
The controversial decision has sparked a heated reaction from Serbia’s President Aleksander Vucic, who said he spoke to the star this morning, and claimed “the whole of Serbia” supported Djokovic.
“Our authorities are taking all measures to stop the harassment of the best tennis player in the world in the shortest possible period,” Vucic posted to his Instagram account.
“In accordance with the norms of international public law, Serbia will fight for Novak Djokovic, for justice and truth. Otherwise, Novak is strong, as we all know him.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison weighed in on the matter, saying the denial of entry was the result of “strong border policies.”
“Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules,” Morrison said.
“Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.”
Speaking to Sputnik Serbia, the tennis star’s father threatened to call a gathering on the streets if his son wasn’t let into Australia immediately.
“Novak is currently in a room which no one can enter,” Srdan Djokovic said. “In front of the room are two policemen.
“I have no idea what’s going on, they’re holding my son captive for five hours.”
If the appeal falls short, Djokovic could be flown out of the country today.
Unless a court overturns the decision, Djokovic won’t have a chance to win his 21st Grand Slam title, which would set him apart from long-time rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
Djokovic has won 20 Grand Slams, tied with Federer and Nadal.
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