Visa canceled: Novak Djokovic has to leave Australia again

Shortly after landing in Melbourne, the farce about tennis superstar Novak Djokovic took the next turn. Despite his controversial medical exemption for the start at the Australian Open, the border guards initially refused entry to the probably unvaccinated Serb because his visa was obviously invalid.

The Serb spent many hours at the airport. The decision came shortly after 10 p.m.: Djokovic’s visa was canceled. The tennis star is not allowed to enter the country. The lawyers now want to challenge the decision. This is reported by «TheAge». According to a Serbian journalist, there will be a hearing before a judge. But there is only a “small chance” that Djokovic will play at the Australian Open.

The tennis superstar’s father, Srdjan Djokovic, lost his nerve completely, according to the Australian news channel “Sunrise on 7”. He was quoted as follows: “You are holding my son prisoner. If he’s not free in half an hour, we’ll fight him on the street. This is not just Novak’s struggle, it is the struggle for a free world. ” And even more absurd: According to the Serbian tabloid «Blic», Serbia has even issued a diplomatic protest note against Australia.

Even before the 34-year-old arrived in Australia, a wave of indignation had built up in the host country of the first Grand Slam tournament of the season. The exception permit for Djokovic caused “anger and confusion”, as the broadcaster ABC called it. Other statements ranged from “slap in the face for all Australians” to “slap in the face for millions of Australians”. Tournament director Craig Tiley defended the controversial decision, but asked the 20-time Grand Slam winner to give his reasons.