January 11, (THEWILL) – Novak Djokovic is being investigated again in Australia, allegedly for making a false declaration in a travel document about his recent movements.
The Australian Border Force has been requested to investigate if Djokovic declared inaccurately that he had not travelled to another nation in the 14 days leading up to his journey to Australia.
Djokovic arrived in Australia on January 4 after a flight from Spain, yet social media photos dated December 25 showed him in Serbia.
Despite a judge’s decision to reinstate Djokovic’s visa, uncertainties remain over whether he will be able to compete in the Australian Open, which begins next week.
The world number one was detained and held for four days at the Australian border after it was determined that his medical exemption from coronavirus vaccination was insufficient to allow him to enter the country.
After the judge’s decision, he was released and was training at the Rod Laver Arena for a second day on Tuesday, attempting to get his preparations back on track for the Grand Slam competition, which he has won nine times.
However, records disclosed as part of Djokovic’s appeal against a visa cancellation, which he won on Monday, show that the Serbian answered “No” when asked if he had travelled in the two weeks leading up to his arrival in Australia.
While the health survey is not dated, it does have a December 30 attachment for Djokovic’s medical exemption from Tennis Australia.
“Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence,” the text advises after the question concerning recent travel. “You may also be liable to a civil penalty for giving false or misleading information.”
Djokovic’s deportation from Australia is still a possibility, according to the Australian government, with Immigration Minister Alex Hawke weighing his options.
Djokovic further indicated in the statement that he has never received a COVID-19 vaccination injection and that he is unable to be vaccinated due to medical concerns.
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.
