New threat to Djokovic as visa row rumbles on
NOVAK DJOKOVIC’S defence of his Australian Open title remains in doubt after reports emerged that the world number one might have given misleading information to Australian immigration officials.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is still considering whether to cancel Djokovic’s visa despite his court victory on Monday, which enabled the 34-year-old to leave his quarantine hotel and resume training in Melbourne.
Australian media reported that officials are concerned about Djokovic’s claim on his entry form that he had not travelled in the 14 days prior to his arrival in Australia on January 6.
Social media posts appear to make clear that Djokovic attended events in Belgrade and Marbella during the period in question. Djokovic has reportedly claimed that Tennis Australia filled in the form on his behalf.
In addition, there remain separate questions over Djokovic’s confirmed positive test on December 16 and his subsequent meeting with children at a public event in Belgrade the next day, which would have broken Serbia’s own 14-day quarantine rules following a positive test.
A number of fellow players have expressed concerns over Djokovic’s potential exemption, with Wimbledon quarter-finalist Marton
Fucsovics saying he does not think the Serbian had the right to play in the tournament.
Fucsovics, the world number 38, said: “People’s health is paramount, and there are rules that were outlined months ago, namely that everyone should vaccinate themselves - and Djokovic didn’t.
“From this point of view, I don’t think he would have the right to be here.”