Novak Djokovic denied entry into Australia after visa cancelled | Tennis News
World No 1 and defending Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic denied entry into Australia at Melbourne airport; The Serbian had flown to Australia with an “exemption permission” but the visa he had applied for did not allow for medical exemptions
Last Updated: 05/01/22 9:35pm
Novak Djokovic’s entry into Australia on a vaccine exemption was ultimately denied
Novak Djokovic has been denied entry into Australia after his visa was cancelled by border force officials at Melbourne airport, according to reports in Australia.
The world No 1 had announced on Tuesday that he was travelling to Australia on an “exemption permission”, but after landing in Melbourne on Wednesday evening he was held in isolation after reportedly attempting to enter the country on a visa that does not permit medical exemptions for being unvaccinated against Covid-19.
Novak Djokovic – Sequence of events
| Djokovic announces he will be travelling to Australia with an ‘exemption permission’ on Tuesday, January 4. |
| While Djokovic is airborne, Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the athlete will be on the “next plane home” if he cannot provide “acceptable proof” that his exemption is legitimate. |
| Acting Sports Minister Jaala Pulford highlights that the local government of Victoria, where the Australian Open is held, will not support Djokovic’s visa application. |
| The world No 1 arrives at Melbourne Airport around 11.30pm on Wednesday, January 5. |
| Around 3.15am local time in Australia, Djokovic’s father reports that his son is being held in isolation in Melbourne Airport. |
| At 5am local time, Goran Ivanisevic releases an image on social media of himself and Djokovic’s physiotherapist seemingly waiting for the world No 1. The post is captioned, ‘Not the most usual trip Down Under’. |
| Around 8.15am local time, Djokovic’s visa confirmed to have been denied. |
More to follow…
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