January 06, (THEWILL) – Novak Djokovic is unlikely to compete in the 2022 Australian Open after being denied entry to the country upon his arrival in Melbourne.
The world number one spent more than eight hours at the airport before being told he would not be allowed to enter the country.
The Serbian had been granted a medical exemption by Tennis Australia to compete in the year’s first Grand Slam, but failed to show the Border Force sufficient evidence for his exemption, and his visa has been revoked. He has also been told to leave the country immediately.
There is some likelihood that he will file an appeal.
When Djokovic arrived in Melbourne around midnight local time, he was reportedly taken to a room on his own, away from his coaching team, and placed under police surveillance for several hours to the annoyance of his father, who claimed his son was being held “captive”.
As the hours passed, the Serbian Embassy and the Australian Ambassador to Serbia became engaged, as did Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who posted on Instagram that he had spoken with Djokovic on the phone.
“I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him,” said Vucic. “And that our authorities are taking all measures to stop the harassment of the best tennis player in the world in the shortest possible period.
“In accordance with all norms of international public law, Serbia will fight for Novak Djokovic, for justice and truth.”
Despite Vucic’s efforts, Djokovic looks as though he will be heading back to Serbia.
Greg Hunt, Australia’s health minister, said that the defending Australian Open champion had been denied entrance to the nation due to a lack of “appropriate standards of proof”.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
