Clock ticks on Djoker decision

A FIGHT has emerged over the delay in making a decision over whether to cancel Novak Djokovic’s visa, as the deadline over his fate looms.

Government sources on Thursday accused the tennis star of delaying tactics over the case that has garnered global attention, dumping documents on its legal team in a bid to halt the dispute.

But News Corp has been told by sources close to Djokovic’s camp only a single-page document was filed on Thursday, with one line of text.

When asked about the case, the world No.1’s lawyers refused to comment.

It is understood the government is determined to fight the case against the Serb, but was worried about losing for a second time after Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews’ decision to cancel his visa was quashed on Monday.

However, sources have urged that the government should not back down, even if it was to face another embarrassing loss.

The back-and-forth came after a decision over Djokovic’s fate was widely expected to be made on Thursday, but never eventuated.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to be drawn on the visa debacle, handballing back to Immigration Minister Alex Hawke, who must make the ultimate decision on whether he exercises a personal power to deport the star.

“These are personal ministerial powers able to be exercised by Minister Hawke and I don’t propose to make any further comment at this time,” Mr Morrison said at a press conference on Thursday.

Well-placed sources have said if the government decided to deport Djokovic, its case “needs to be iron clad”.

A decision by Mr Hawke to cancel the 34-year-old’s visa under a personal power would “almost definitely” be made Friday, according to sources.

Any delay could cost the tennis star the chance to compete in the Australian Open, launching on Monday, where he is aiming for a 21st grand slam title.

The tournament draw was delayed for more than an hour on Thursday at the last minute as officials continued to wait for an answer on Djokovic’s visa status.

The world No.1 eventually drew fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round.

Djokovic trained for almost two hours on Rod Laver Arena on Thursday, with media permitted to observe 15 minutes of baseline work as a news chopper hovered above the session held in the peak of the day’s heat.

If he is detained before the tournament starts on Monday, he may have run out of time to fight for his release in court.