MELBOURNE, 7 Jan : Australia has canceled World No. 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic’s visa and denied his entry into the country.
On Tuesday night, Djokovic posted on social media that he was coming to Melbourne for the Australian Open with an “exemption permission”.
The Serb, who is a nine-time and current winner of the tournament, was supposed to participate in the 10th Australian Open, which starts on 17 January in Melbourne.
The tennis star’s visa troubles began on Wednesday when, upon arriving in Melbourne, the Australian Border Force did not accept the exemption, stating that he failed to meet the entry requirements.
Djokovic has also refused to state his COVID-19 vaccine status.
He will remain in a quarantine hotel throughout the weekend while his lawyers fight to enable him to remain in the country to defend his Australian Open crown.
His case is due to be heard before a Federal Court judge on Monday morning, after being granted an interim injunction. This prevents him from being deported until at least 4.00 pm Monday.
Meanwhile, The Australian Border Force are also investigating another two cases which reportedly are under similar situation as Djokovic’s. – TVS
