The saga surrounding Novak Djokovic and his hopes of playing at the Australian Open goes on with the focus now switching to a border entry form he filled in.
On Monday the 20-time Grand Slam champion won a court ruling which overturned the decision to cancel his Australian visa. The judge ruled that the tennis star wasn’t given enough time to respond after notifying him that his visa was cancelled. Meaning the process conducted wasn’t insufficient and therefore the court ruled in his favour.
However, it is still possible that Djokovic could have his pass revoked for a second time should the government decide to use their executive powers. That decision will be down to immigration minister Alex Hawke, who is understood to be still deciding on what to do but an announcement is unlikely to be made today.
As for the argument to deport Djokovic, officials are now looking into whether he filled out incorrect information on his travel declaration. Under the question ‘have you travelled, or will you travel, in the 14 days prior to your flight?’ Djokovic said no. However, that declaration is under doubt with the 34-year-old pictured in Serbia playing tennis on the street on December 25th and then on the 31st he was seen at the SotoTennis Academy in Spain. Under Australian law giving false or misleading information on these forms are classed as a ‘serious offence.’
There are also still questions remaining over whether Djokovic attended events in his home country hours after being informed he had tested positive for COVID-19. His family declined to answer a question from reporters when asked on Monday. According to court files, Djokovic said in his written statement that he was ‘tested and diagnosed’ with covid on December 16th. On the 17th he attended a tennis awards event and on the 18th he took part in a photo shoot for L’Equipe newspaper. BBC Fact Checker states that in Serbia those who test positive for COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Meanwhile, Djokovic is continuing his training ahead of the Australian Open where he is bidding to win a historic 21st Grand Slam title. On Tuesday he practiced on the Rod Laver Arena with 18-year-old James McCabe. A player from Australia who is currently ranked 71st in the junior rankings. It is understood that the practice took place behind closed doors and the TV screens were blacked out. However, drone footage of the practice session has emerged.
The ATP, who are the governing body of men’s tennis, has commented on the visa fiasco for the first time. In a statement issued around 10pm GMT on Monday, they said the dispute has been ‘damaging on all fronts.’
“The ATP fully respects the sacrifices the people of Australia have made since the onset of COVID-19 and the stringent immigration policies that have been put in place,” they said.
“Complications in recent days related to player entry into Australia have however highlighted the need for clearer understanding, communication and application of the rules.
“In travelling to Melbourne, it’s clear Novak Djokovic believed he had been granted a necessary medical exemption in order to comply with entry regulations.
“The series of events leading to Monday’s court hearing have been damaging on all fronts, including for Novak’s well-being and preparation for the Australian Open.”
Furthermore, the ATP confirmed that 97 out of the world’s top 100 players on their Tour are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. However, Djokovic is one of those who are not.
