Novak Djokovic’s visa cancelled by Australian Authorities

Novak Djokovic will more than likely not be participating in the Australian Open this year as the ATP’s No. 1 player in the world has been detained by Australian authorities.

Those who questioned whether Novak Djokovic was vaccinated or not all received the answer to their questions when Djokovic was apparently given a medical exemption permit through his visa. Unfortunately for the Serbian, the wrong visa was applied for, and that does not provide any medical exemptions towards entry into Australia, thus putting his Australian Open title defense at risk.

“The ABF will continue to ensure that those who arrive at our border comply with our laws and entry requirements. The ABF can confirm that Mr. Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled. Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visas cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia. The ABF can confirm Mr. Djokovic had access to his phone,” The Australian Border Force said in a statement.

It is currently unknown if Djokovic can reapply and attempt reentry into the country. Djokovic’s legal team is appealing the decision. Paul Sakkal of Serbian news outlet, The Age wrote that Djokovic was detained at 1:43 AM as Australian authorities held him in a room while accessing the facts being presented in support of his vaccination exemption.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić became involved when he took to Instagram (translated from Serbian to English) to detail what was happening from his vantage point. “Just got off the phone with Novak Djokovic. I told our Novak that the whole Serbia is with him and that our authorities are taking all measures to stop the harassment of the best tennis player in the world in the shortest possible time. In accordance with all the norms of international public law, Serbia will fight for Novak Djokovic, for justice and truth,” Vučić said.

Jaal Pulford, acting Victorian sports minister declared they will not be providing Djokovic with individual visa application support to allow him to participate in the Australian Open.

“We’ve always been clear on two points: visa approvals are a matter for the Federal Government, and medical exemptions are a matter for doctors,” Pulford said in a second post on Twitter. “I want to make absolutely clear that as has been the case the whole time no-one is or will be receiving special treatment because of who they are or what they have achieved professionally, Pulford said this afternoon in a press conference on the matter.