Melbourne (AP) – The immigration posse around tennis star Novak Djokovic outshines the preparation for the Australian Open. The apparently unvaccinated world number one from Serbia is taking action against the withdrawal of his visa in Australia. There are some unanswered questions.
What is it actually about?
Djokovic desperately wants to play at the Australian Open, although he is obviously not vaccinated. Because a vaccination is actually required before entry, the Serb obtained a medical exemption. This is highly controversial, especially since the 34-year-old has not yet disclosed the reason on which it was given to him. Tournament boss Craig Tiley announced that only a “handful” of tennis professionals had received such a special permit. On arrival, however, the border guards at Melbourne Airport found that the Serb’s visa was invalid. Djokovic did not provide sufficient evidence to authorize him to enter, it said.
Why is there such a vortex?
The Djokovic debate has been fermenting for months. He has spoken out against compulsory vaccination and has always kept his vaccination status a secret. He became infected with the corona virus in mid-2020. In Australia, dealing with the pandemic is an emotionally charged topic after months of tough lockdowns and rigid entry restrictions. Even many of the country’s citizens were unable to travel to their homeland for a long time because Australia had sealed itself off to protect itself against the introduction of the corona virus. Many people are outraged that a tennis millionaire should now receive an exception. In contrast, Serbian top politicians accused the Australian authorities of harassment and accused them of political motives.
Do tennis professionals generally have to be vaccinated?
No, that is a decision of the responsible authorities at the location of the tournament host. At the Australian Open, vaccination is compulsory for the first time at a top event. At the last Grand Slam tournament to date, the US Open in New York, the players did not have to prove a vaccination. According to the women’s tour WTA and the men’s tour ATP, the majority of the professionals are vaccinated.
Why did Djokovic and the tournament bosses even get into this situation?
The tennis superstar is the defending champion and record winner at the Australian Open. With his tenth triumph in Melbourne, he could secure his 21st success at Grand Slam tournaments – that would be a new record and a huge milestone in his career. Correspondingly great attention was drawn to the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, which could lose an immensely important draft horse in Djokovic. The controversial industry leader is a crowd puller in the arena and guarantees ratings for television.
What does a multi-day hotel quarantine mean for Djokovic?
On January 6, Djokovic stayed at the Park Hotel in Melbourne’s Carlton district, which also houses rejected asylum seekers. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic campaigned to allow Djokovic to move into a rented house. “It’s a bad, bad place to stay,” said Djokovic’s mother Dijana. “I have felt terrible since yesterday that they were holding him as a prisoner.” Australia’s Interior Ministry replied that Djokovic was by no means being held prisoner and that he could leave the country at any time.
Other professionals such as Sebastian Korda, who tested positive for Corona when he arrived in Adelaide, are currently in hotel quarantine. The American thanked the Australian Tennis Association for equipping his room and emphasized that he was following the Covid protocols.
Who would benefit from the Serb not participating?
At the tournament itself, the field of favorites would be rearranged – with Olympic champion Alexander Zverev and the Russian Daniil Medvedev at the top. The legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer could also be secretly happy about the end for Djokovic. They would then continue to hold this record together with their long-term rivals with 20 Grand Slam titles each.
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