The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Australia turns Djokovic away, citing problem with his visa
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — Novak Djokovic was denied entry into Australia and had his visa canceled after arriving in Melbourne late Wednesday to defend his title at the season-opening tennis major. The Australian Border Force issued a statement early today local time saying Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet entry requirements and “his visa has been subsequently canceled.”
The top-ranked Djokovic flew in after receiving a medical exemption from the strict vaccination requirements in place for the Australian Open, where he is a ninetime winner. Australian media reported that Djokovic’s team had applied for the wrong type of visa.
Djokovic’s lawyers are expected to appeal the decision, which came after he had to spend more than eight hours at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport waiting to find out if he would be allowed into the country. Djokovic’s father, Srdjan Djokovic, told the B92 internet portal that his son was held “in a room which no one can enter” at the airport, guarded by two policemen.
The medical exemption had been expected to allow him to play regardless of his vaccination status for COVID-19, something he has not disclosed, but he also needed to meet border regulations to enter the country. Speculation of a possible issue with the visa emerged while Djokovic was in transit and escalated with mixed messages from federal and state lawmakers.
Djokovic’s revelation that he was heading to Australia seeking a record 21st major title sparked some debate Wednesday, with critics questioning what grounds the nine-time Australian Open champ could have for the exemption and backers defending his right to privacy and freedom of choice. Australian Open tournament Director Craig Tiley defended the “completely legitimate application and process” and insisted there was no special treatment for Djokovic.
The Victoria state government mandated that only fully vaccinated players, staff, fans and officials could enter Melbourne Park when the tournament starts Jan. 17. Only 26 people connected with the tournament applied for a medical exemption and, Tiley said, only a “handful” — estimated at about five — were granted. Names, ages and nationalities of applicants were redacted for privacy reasons before each application for a vaccine exemption was assessed, and Tiley noted Djokovic is under no obligation to reveal his reason for seeking one. But, he said before Djokovic’s visa was canceled that it would be “helpful” if Djokovic chose to explain himself to a Melbourne public still getting over months of lockdowns and severe travel restrictions imposed at the height of the pandemic.
Among the reasons allowed for those applying for a vaccination exemption can include major medical conditions, adverse reaction to a previous dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, or evidence of a COVID19 infection within the previous six months. Djokovic tested positive for the coronavirus in 2020. It’s not inconceivable the 34-year-old could have been infected again. 3 4 5
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