Legal thriller: Djokovic takes action against deportation
Novak Djokovic (34) is taking legal action against his deportation from Australia after his visa was revoked by the authorities for failure to meet the pandemic entry requirements.
by SID
last edit: Jan 06, 2022, 08:22 am
The vaccine-skeptical Serb was picked up by border officials on his arrival late Wednesday and is currently apparently in a quarantine hotel for immigrants in Melbourne.
According to the court, Judge Anthony Kelly should hear Djokovic's appeal against the threatened deportation on Thursday afternoon (local time).
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Djokovic failed to provide officials with proof of double vaccination or an appropriate medical exemption. "Rules are rules and there are no special cases," said Morrison.
Djokovic's lawyers are fighting in court
Australian border officials questioned Djokovic overnight and revoked his visa on the grounds that he had "failed to provide adequate evidence of compliance with entry requirements". Djokovic's lawyers are now fighting this decision in court and hope to prevent the world's number one from being deported.
Djokovic had landed at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne, expecting to defend his title at the Australian Open and win his 21st Grand Slam title. He claimed on Instagram that he had received a special permit to take part in the tournament, which began on January 17th. The 34-year-old has so far refused to publicly announce his vaccination status, but has spoken out against vaccination earlier. He got infected with the coronavirus at least once.