USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia speaks to the crowd during the trophy presentation ceremony after his match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia (not pictured) in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 12, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Novak Djokovic of Serbia speaks to the crowd during the trophy presentation ceremony after his match against Daniil Medvedev of Russia (not pictured) in the men’s singles final on day fourteen of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
Novak Djokovic’s visa cancelation saga has taken the tennis world by storm. Celebrities across the globe are coming up with their views on the case. Moreover, people are taking to social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram to express their opinions on this episode.
Rennae Stubbs, the Australian tennis coach, and a former professional player, is the latest icon to speak about this incident.
Rennae Stubbs takes a dig at World Number 1
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A former World Number 1 in women’s doubles category, Rennae Stubbs took to Twitter and said, “Wait, SO Novak is now admitting that he knowingly decided to do an interview with someone because he didn’t want to let the journalist down? but yet had NO PROBLEM being Covid positive around the guy and also didn’t tell him!!??? OMG this is getting worse by the minute!”
Wait, SO Novak is now admitting that he knowingly decided to do an interview with someone because he didn’t want to let the journalist down? but yet had NO PROBLEM being Covid positive around the guy and also didn’t tell him!!??? OMG this is getting worse by the minute!
— Rennae Stubbs OLY (@rennaestubbs) January 12, 2022
WATCH THIS STORY: Novak Djokovic’s Biggest Controversies
What has been the fuss surrounding the Serbian star?
The 20-time Grand Slam champion arrived in Australia after having been granted a Covid-19 vaccine exemption. However, the World Number 1’s visa was canceled, and he was subsequently detained upon his arrival in Australia.
According to the country’s immigration rules, any non-Australians entering the country must be vaccinated against Covid-19. Djokovic told immigration officials that he has been affected with Covid-19 twice, the latest being December 16, 2021.
via Reuters
Tennis – ATP Masters 1000 – Paris Masters – Accor Arena, Paris, France – November 7, 2021 Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts during his final match against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
However, pictures surfaced wherein he was seen mask-less with kids on December 17, 2021, a day after he tested positive for Covid-19. This caused a huge uproar amongst the Australians, given the fact that they have lived through months and months of harsh lockdowns.
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Djokovic and his team appealed the visa cancelation in Australian Federal Courts. Subsequently, judge Anthony Kelly ruled in favor of the Serb and ordered his release from detention. However, the final decision on his visa lies in the hands of the Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Alex Hawke. The minister holds the power to personally intervene and cancel Djokovic’s visa. If his visa is canceled by Alex Hawke, Djokovic won’t be able to enter Australia for three years.
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Until the decision comes out, the Serb will have to play the waiting game. Will Novak Djokovic get a shot at defending his Australian Open crown starting next week? Do let us know your views in the comments below.
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