‘Massive Blow?’: Australian Government Reportedly Still Preparing a Case to Deport Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic, after months of uncertainty, stepped into Australia hoping to defend his Australian Open title. Contrary to his expectations, however, he has been embroiled in a prolonged visa-cancelation saga. His participation at the Australian Open starting next week is not yet confirmed, despite the recent court ruling going in favor of World Number 1 in the Federal Court of Australia.

Further developments in the Novak Djokovic deportation case

It has come to light that the Federal Government is still preparing a case to revoke Novak Djokovic’s visa and deport him. The Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Alex Hawke, holds the power to intervene and cancel the 34-year-old’s visa despite the court ruling going in favor of the Serb. However, a final decision on the situation is awaited.

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Australia has been under strict Covid-19 related lockdowns and the government has taken all Covid-19 precautionary measures to curb the cases and minimize the death rate. Thus, they feel that an exemption for the World No. 1 would set a “dangerous precedent.”

Djokovic had earlier shared on Instagram that he was heading Down Under with an exemption permission. This had caused a huge uproar in Australia as people were not happy with the vaccination rule getting bypassed.

What went wrong for the Serbian tennis star?

Novak Djokovic was provided a vaccine exemption because he had tested positive in December 2021. However, as soon as he landed in Australia, he was questioned and held by the Australian border forces. He was then kept in detention, away from his team, and the fiasco attracted the attention of the entire tennis world and even the Serbian Prime Minister.

The Serb’s participation at the Australian Open has been thrown into further limbo with these recent developments. However, only time will tell whether he can extend his stay Down Under. As we await a decision about this, we hope that the action shifts back to the tennis courts soon.

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