Melbourne – January 7 (ONLINE): Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic fought against deportation from Australia on Thursday after the government revoked his visa for failing to meet Covid vaccine-entry requirements.
The vaccine-sceptic Serb was stopped by border officials on arrival to Australia late on Wednesday and denied entry into the country.
He is currently being held at an immigration de-tention facility in Melbourne and faces deportation. Djokovic had flown into the city’s Tullamarine Air-port expecting to defend his Australian Open crown, and to bid for an unprecedented 21st Grand Slam title.
He had claimed on Instagram that he had ob-tained an exemption to play in the tournament, which begins on January 17, without being vacci-nated.
The 34-year-old has refused to reveal his vac-cine status publicly, but has previously voiced op-position to being jabbed. He contracted Covid at least once.
But instead of a conquering champion’s return, Djokovic never made it past border control.
Conservative Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Djokovic had failed to provide officials with evidence of double vaccination or an adequate medical exemption.
“Rules are rules and there are no special cases,” Morrison said. Australian border official’s ques-tioned the sports star overnight and revoked his visa citing a failure to “provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements”.
Djokovic’s lawyers are now arguing against that decision in court, hoping to prevent the star’s depor-tation.
‘Djokovic, justice and truth’
News that Djokovic had received an exemption to arrive in Australia without being vaccinated was met by public outcry.
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