Novak Djokovic
Australia denies Novak Djokovic entry for Australian Open, cancels visa
In an incident that has triggered a war of words, Australia has canceled tennis icon Novak Djokovic's visa denying him entry into the country where the top seed was aiming to play the Australian Open.
The Australia Border Force has issued a statement which says Djokovic's visa was cancelled after he failed to provide appropriate evidence for meeting the entry requirements to play the major tennis event amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Reportedly, Djokovic had travelled to Australia after receiving medical exemptions from the strict requirements to enter into Australia.
Media reported that the nine-time Australian Open champion had applied for a wrong type of visa for a person flying to Australia with a medical exemption.
Djokovic was detained and kept in a separate room at the airport.
Serbian President Aleksander Vucic took to Instagram to say that he had spoken to Djokovic and he told that "the whole of Serbia is with him and that our authorities are undertaking all measures in order that maltreatment of the world's best tennis player ends as soon as possible".
"In line with all standards of international public law, Serbia will fight for Novak Djokovic, justice and truth."
Not sparing Djokovic, Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted, "Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant."
Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2022
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