BALL IN COURT Djokovic readies vax exemption case for Aussie visa showdown
Melbourne, Jan. 9: Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic readied his legal guns on Sunday for a battle to stay in Melbourne and defend his Australian Open title, arguing he has the all-clear because of a positive coronavirus test in December.
Djokovic’s fight to overturn the shock cancellation of his visa and his ensuing detention in a notorious Melbourne immigration facility will culminate in a highly publicised online hearing in federal court on Monday.
The vaccine-sceptic Serbian star awaited the showdown holed up in the former Park Hotel, a fivestorey facility that holds about 32 migrants trapped in Australia’s hardline immigration system — some for years.
Nobody is allowed in or out except staff.
More than 100 protesters, many of them migrant rights activists, gathered in a park opposite the hotel.
“Free, free, the refugees,” the crowd chanted as dozens of police stood by.
Large banners were sprawled on the ground, reading: “Justice for refugees”, and “We send love to you every day”.
With eight days to go before the January 17 start of the Australian Open, any delay could dash the
34-year-old’s hopes of winning his 10th crown in Melbourne, and a record
21st Grand Slam title.
In an order released to the public Sunday, Judge Anthony Kelly said the case will go ahead as scheduled at 10:00 am Monday (2300 GMT Sunday), refusing a government request to adjourn until Wednesday.
Djokovic’s lawyers submitted a 35-page document Saturday arguing his visa was wrongly cancelled and should be reinstated, allowing him to compete.
The team has argued that Djokovic’s positive PCR test on December 16, 2021 means he meets the criteria for a vaccine exemption under the guidance of Australia’s own immunisation advisory body.