It has emerged that world No.1 Novak Djokovic could find himself in more trouble with a second country looking into the possibility he has broken their travel rules.
Spanish radio station Cadena COPE has reported that authorities are looking into the 20-time Grand Slam champion and the circumstances surrounding his decision to enter Marbella at the end of December. On December 31st the SotoTennis academy tweeted a video of Djokovic training at their facility. Following his training stint, he then departed to Australia where he has been involved in a dispute concerning his visa.
Journalist Angel Garcia has said on COPE that there are questions about whether Djokovic followed the correct procedure in order to enter Spain. Those arriving from Serbia must be vaccinated against COVID-19 unless they have a special exemption. It has been confirmed that Djokovic isn’t vaccinated in legal documents which have been posted online following his hearing in Melbourne.
It is understood that the Spanish Ministry of the Interior has asked the police about Djokovic’s arrival and so has the ministry of foreign affairs. Crucially, COPE has claimed that the tennis star didn’t request any special permission to enter the country from either the Spanish Embassy in Belgrade or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This is based on their own investigation and there is yet to be official confirmation to confirm this.
Djokovic is currently training in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open which will begin on Monday. Whilst he successfully won his legal case to overturn the decision to cancel his visa earlier this week, he is still facing the prospect of having it cancelled again. This would happen only if the government decided to use their executive powers. Immigration minister Alex Hawke is still looking into the details before making a decision and has confirmed he has since received more information.
“Mr Djokovic’s lawyers have recently provided lengthy further submissions & supporting documentation said to be relevant to the possible cancellation of Mr his visa. Naturally, this will affect the timeframe for a decision.” A spokesman for Hawke to the Australian Associated Press.
There is yet to be any response from Djokovic or his team concerning speculation about his trip to Spain. On Wednesday he confirmed he attended a photoshoot for French publication L’Equipe after being told he has COVID-19. He has since described that decision as an ‘error of judgment.’
UPDATE – 13/1/22
Since the publication of this article, Spanish authorities have denied claims that they are looking into Djokovic. POLITICO Europe has contacted the Interior ministry who has hit back at the article published by COPE.
“The news is false. Neither the government has ordered it nor is there any police investigation open on the athlete,” the spokesperson said.
