Djokovic family press conference: "Biggest victory of his career"
On the occasion of their son's won legal battle with the Australian authorities - and the (temporary) permission to stay Down Under - the Djokovic family held a press conference in Belgrade on Monday. With a curious situation.
by tennisnet.com
last edit: Jan 11, 2022, 08:29 am
Not a day without new developments in the Novak Djokovic case. Now the world number one can (for the time being) stay in Australia and - as of now - go on the hunt for Grand Slam title number 21 at the Australian Open in exactly one week. This is the verdict of Judge Anthony Kelly, who upheld Novak Djokovic's objection to the cancellation of his visa on Monday night (CET). Hours later, the Serb showed up after his first training session in Melbourne - and announced that he would definitely play the first major tournament of the year.
Much to the delight of the Djokovic family, who had protested and mobilized vigorously against the planned deportation of their son in the past few days. And taking the legal success as an opportunity to hold a press conference on Monday. For Dijana Djokovic, the mother of the best tennis player in recent years, they celebrated "the greatest victory of his career" on Monday "despite all his Grand Slam successes." At the same time, however, the mother is still concerned that her son might still be deported. This would be the case if the immigration minister were to exercise his right to cancel the industry leader's visa again.
Questions regarding the COVID test
This does not seem implausible for Djokovic, especially in view of the circumstances of the exemption. As becomes clear in the negotiation transcript, the Serb received this on the basis of a positive COVID-19 test result on December 16, 2021. However, the official certificate, which was made public on the day of the negotiation, shows a QR code which, according to reports by journalist Ben Rothenberg (New York Times), would show negative as well as positive results when scanned.
In addition, Djokovic is particularly criticized for the pictures taken on December 17th. At that time - one day after the 34-year-old tested positive for COVID-19 - the world number one showed himself to be without a mask during an award ceremony at the Novak Tennis Center alongside children. Without a mask, mind you. To date, the 20-time major winner has not made a statement about this cause. When asked about the photos, the Djokovic family also ended the press conference abruptly on Monday - to say the least.
Approach of the authorities "inadequate"
In any case, the fact is that Novak Djokovic has already arrived on the grounds of the Australian Open and now wants to start at the first major event of the year. But it is also a fact that there are many question marks about this appearance, especially since the 34-year-old's visa depends on the decision of the immigration minister. At least father Srdjan Djokovic is satisfied for the moment: "We are receiving support from all over the world. Africa, South America, India, Asia, South America. From all freedom-loving people. All of them are Novak today," said the Serb, celebrating the court ruling in favor of his son .
A court ruling, which is primarily due to the - apparently disproportionate - actions of the Australian border guards, as the Australian Associated Press reported: "The decision was made after the attorneys of Home Secretary Karen Andrews admitted that the decision to hold an interview early Performing at the airport tomorrow and canceling his visa last week was inappropriate in the circumstances. " It is unclear at the moment which decision can be expected from the immigration minister. His office said on Monday: "The minister is currently examining the matter and the process is still ongoing."