Novak Djokovic: Small spark of hope after the first hearing
Novak Djokovic received a small glimmer of hope in the fight against the impending deportation in the first part of his hearing in Melbourne.
by SID
last edit: Jan 10, 2022, 06:09 am
"What more could this man have done?" - Judge Anthony Kelly put this question in the room. Djokovic was allowed to leave the accommodation for those obliged to leave the country for the hearing and to follow what was happening at a place of his legal advisor's choice.
The lawyers of Djokovic, who was unvaccinated according to court records, emphasized that the tennis star had "done absolutely everything" that he considered necessary to enter Australia. This emerges from the logs and records of her client's interactions with the Australian border protection authorities.
Kelly said Djokovic had provided evidence of a medical exemption from a "professor and a highly qualified doctor." He was also confirmed by a panel of experts independent of the Victorian government. The proceedings were delayed again and again as the online system for the live broadcast of the court collapsed due to the worldwide interest.
In the early morning, Central European time, the representatives of the Ministry of the Interior were supposed to present their views on the case - there were again delays.
Djokovic arrived in Melbourne late on Wednesday to start as defending champion at the Australian Open on January 17th. However, upon arrival, border authorities canceled his visa for failing to meet pandemic entry requirements. The 34-year-old Serb's lawyers are taking action against this.