Australian OpenThe Australian Open of Novak Djokovic (34) seems to be over even before he has played one match. Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has canceled the Serb’s visa, forcing Djokovic to leave the country. He may still appeal the decision.
Novak Djokovic’s saga in Australia seems to be coming to an end. The Serbian top tennis player – who is not vaccinated, but is said to have a medical exemption necessary to enter the country – arrived Down Under mid last week, but has since ended up on a real rollercoaster. Upon arrival, ‘visa problems’ arose and he was banned from entering Australian territory. Djokovic was interrogated for hours by border police and would be deported from the country. The world number one appealed that decision and stayed in a quarantine hotel pending a verdict.
Djokovic was proved right by a judge and was therefore allowed to stay in Australia. From the quarantine hotel it went to the Rod Laver Arena, where ‘Nole’ hit a few balls. But that didn’t end the matter. Alex Hawke, Australian Migration Minister, was still able to reverse the judge’s decision and withdraw Djokovic’s visa. Hawke took his time for that, because it took four days before he finally came out with a decision this morning Belgian time: Novak Djokovic will be expelled from the country.
Yesterday, Djokovic was just included as the first seed in the draw – he should start on Monday with a duel against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic at the Australian Open, but now seems to be really allowed to participate. Or will he appeal the decision?
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