The issue of the participation of Serbian star Novak Djokovic, the world number one in the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam, escalated following the cancellation of his entry visa to Australia, despite his arrival at the airport.
Sharjah 24 – Asaad Khalil:
The Australian government has rescinded the entry visa for world number one Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic.
This decision came days before the start of the Australian Open, the first of the four Grand Slam tournaments of the current season, which begins on January 17.
Djokovic was detained for several hours at Melbourne Airport, upon his arrival in Australia, on Wednesday, following Australian border authorities expressed concerns regarding his visa to enter the country.
Djokovic stated that a few days ago, he had obtained a medical exemption from the Corona virus vaccine, which would enable him to participate in the Australian Open.
But the Australian Border Authority’s statement said “Australian border authorities can confirm that Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements for Australia, and therefore his visa was revoked”.
The statement added: “Non-citizens who do not hold a valid entry visa or have had their entry visa canceled will be arrested and deported from Australia.”