After canceling his visa, Australia, host country of the Open which is due to start on January 17, asked Novac Djokovic to turn back. The latter filed an appeal against this decision.
While he had obtained a medical exemption allowing him to travel to Australia to participate in the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, Novak Djokovic, who plays the vagueness of his vaccination status, had been intercepted by the Australian authorities as soon as his arrival at Melbourne Tullmarine Airport.
Local border police had noticed that the man’s visa for the 20 Grand Slam titles did not allow medical exemptions for non-vaccination.
“Foreign nationals who do not have a valid visa or whose visa has been canceled will be detained and deported from Australia,” customs said.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić immediately denounced Australia’s “mistreatment” of the 34-year-old.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison spoke on Twitter on Wednesday evening. He had explained that “no one is above the rules”.
Mr Djokovic’s visa has been canceled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. 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.
– Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2022