The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)

Djokovic to be detained after visa cancelled

- ELEANOR CROOKS

Novak Djokovic has had his visa cancelled for a second time but could still play in the Australian Open.

The world number one had been waiting since a judge overturned the original decision on Monday to find out whether Immigratio­n Minister Alex Hawke would use his powers to reimpose the penalty.

And just before 6pm (7am UK time) yesterday, Hawke released a statement saying he had made the judgment to send Djokovic home “on health and good order grounds”.

But the legal process is far from at an end and both parties were last night back in front of Judge Anthony Kelly, who made Monday’s reversal.

Djokovic’s legal team confirmed they will seek the same outcome this time at a virtual hearing at the Federal Court of Australia tomorrow, the day before his first-round match against fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic.

The world number one was allowed to stay at his rented accommodat­ion last night but will be detained again at 8am today prior to a meeting with immigratio­n officials.

He will remain in detention while he meets with his legal team to prepare a case and then be held overnight, potentiall­y back at the Park Hotel where he spent four nights last week.

Even if he wins, therefore, there must be major question marks over whether he will be in the right physical and mental state to compete in a grand slam regardless of his famous powers of resilience.

The Morrison government is firmly committed to protecting Australia’s borders, particular­ly in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hawke’s legal representa­tive, meanwhile, said the minister would not seek to deport Djokovic until proceeding­s were at an end, raising the possibilit­y he could yet be sent home mid-tournament.

The decision means Djokovic also faces a threeyear ban from the country, which could mean he never plays in the Australian Open again, although that can be waived.

The situation has dominated global news since Djokovic was detained at Melbourne airport last Thursday morning after Border Force officials concluded he did not have the right paperwork to enter the country.

The nine-time Australian Open champion, who is unvaccinat­ed, had received an exemption through Tennis Australia from strict coronaviru­s vaccinatio­n rules for arrivals into the country by virtue of having tested positive last month.

Two other individual­s – Czech player Renata Voracova and an official – with the same exemption were subsequent­ly told they could not stay in the country and left before Judge Kelly ruled in favour of Djokovic on Monday.

 ?? ?? NEW APPEAL: Another court hearing for Novak Djokovic tomorrow.
NEW APPEAL: Another court hearing for Novak Djokovic tomorrow.

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