Novak Djokovic Denied Entry to Australia Ahead of Australian Open

Author: Editors Desk Source: WSJ:

January 5, 2022 at 23:32

Novak Djokovic in action during the Davis Cup in Madrid in December. PHOTO: OSCAR DEL POZO/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES

The 20-time major champion had received a medical exemption to get around a ban on unvaccinated travelers before government authorities stepped in.

Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic’s bid to play in the Australian Open—with a medical exemption to get around vaccination requirements—appeared to end on Wednesday as government authorities canceled his visa to enter the country.

A spokeswoman for Australia’s Health Minister Greg Hunt confirmed that Djokovic would not be allowed to enter the country. Djokovic and his team had been held at Melbourne Airport for more than six hours by the Australian border force when he was informed that he needed to leave immediately.

“Mr. Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia,” Hunt told Australian television. “It’s a matter for him if he wishes to appeal that but if a visa is canceled somebody will have to leave the country.”

The situation escalated quickly as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic spoke out on Instagram after reaching Djokovic by phone.

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