Djokovic case: the Australian government has not given up on expelling the world No.1

The Novak Djokovic soap opera continues in Australia less than a week before the start of the first Grand Slam of the year in Melbourne. The participation of the title holder in the search for a 21st lift in Major (a record) is far from assured. The Australian government is in fact preparing a case to expel Novak Djokovic as the investigation focuses on “inconsistencies” in the statements of the star of world tennis.

These documents, prepared by the Australian federal government, might lead to the expulsion of the world’s number one from the country. Australian politicians believe that letting him participate in the Australian Open would then set a “dangerous precedent” for border policing.

Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic has admitted to having made two “errors” in his behavior following being notified of his positive Covid test, and in his entry form to Australia. The winner of the last Australian Open claims to have learned that he was affected by the virus on the evening of December 17 (24 hours following his PCR test), following spending the day in Belgrade with children.

“I was at a tennis related event giving prizes to kids and had an antigen test before going, which was negative. I was asymptomatic and I felt good. I did not receive the information of my positive PCR test until following this event, ”writes Djokovic.

“It was a human error and it was not deliberate”

Djokovic recognizes on the other hand an “error of judgment”, that of having received, then asymptomatic patient, journalists of the French daily newspaper L’Équipe for an interview. “I felt compelled to continue and do the L’Équipe interview because I didn’t want to let the journalist down, but I made sure to respect social distancing and to wear a mask, except when my portrait was done. », He indicates.

Accused of lying in his entry document to Australia, Djokovic admitted a second error. His form ensured that he had not traveled in the two weeks before his flight to Melbourne, while the Serb had left for training in Spain around New Years. “This statement was completed by my team on my behalf ( …) And my agent sincerely apologizes for this administrative error, ensures Djokovic. It was human error and it was not deliberate. “

According to the Nine News channel, no decision should be taken on Wednesday on the possible expulsion of the Serbian. “Djokovic’s lawyers have provided additional long documents that they present as relevant to deciding a possible cancellation of his visa,” said journalist Chris O’Keefe on Twitter.