The hanging game continues: Novak Djokovic moves in deceptive normalcy
The hanging game for Novak Djokovic (ATP No. 1) continues. The Australian government is considering further steps.
by SID
last edit: Jan 11, 2022, 12:57 pm
Novak Djokovic was in a deceptive normalcy the day after the disturbing court crime. The Serbian tennis star trained in his "living room" on the center court of the Australian Open and, as a matter of course, was enthroned at the top of the recently published seeding list for the first Grand Slam tournament of the year.
But everything is by no means all good again for the 20-time major champion, who sealed himself off in the Rod Laver Arena. His information on the entry forms raised new questions. Djokovic still has to fear that his residence permit will be withdrawn.
Immigration minister Alex Hawke could keep his thumbs down on Djokovic at any time thanks to his decision-making authority. "In accordance with due process, Secretary Hawke will examine the matter carefully," said a spokesman on Tuesday: "As the matter is still ongoing, it is not legally appropriate to make any further comments."
Djokovic wants to stay and play for the Australian Open
The victory in court, which was also celebrated by his family and fans on Monday, which led to the cancellation of his visa, does not provide the 34-year-old Serb with any final security. Especially since it was based primarily on procedural errors. The nine-time tournament winner from Melbourne announced, despite all the turmoil, that he would stay and fight for the title.
But Djokovic, who entered the country unvaccinated and with a medical exemption, does not hide the fact that the authorities continue to have him on the kieker. It is questionable whether the "constructive" talks between the heads of government of Australia and Serbia, Scott Morrison and Ana Brnabic, will change that.
Djokovic: New inconsistencies
New inconsistencies became known on Tuesday. Djokovic had answered the question of whether he had traveled to Australia in the 14 days before the flight with a no. This is shown by the documents published by the court - false information is a serious offense, it says below. The tennis star's posts on social media and reports indicate, however, that the Serbian folk hero was first in Belgrade and then in Spain, from where he finally made his way to Melbourne.
There the "Djoker" is without question the number one topic of conversation - also among the other participants of the Australian Open. The Australian Nick Kyrgios said he was "quite embarrassed" about the way Djokovic was treated in his home country. "We want the best players to be there," said three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray: "But I think there are still a few questions to be answered." And Niki Pilic, once the Davis Cup captain of Germany and coach of Djokovic, stressed in the Serbian media that the "drama of Australia" would further strengthen his former protégé.
The players' association ATP had previously described the disturbing events as "harmful on all fronts". It stays that way. And the hanging game continues.