Djokovic investigated by Australian Border Force – latest news
Novak Djokovic wins appeal against deportation from Australia
Novak Djokovic is free to enter Australia after winning his fight with the nation’s government over his visa – for now, at least. Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke is still considering the possibility of “a personal power of cancellation”, a move which could yet drag on for several days as the 34-year-old looks to prepare to compete for the Australian Open.
The world number one took part in a training session at the Rod Laver Arena on Tuesday that was shrouded in secrecy after tournament organisers closed the doors to the practice and cut the live stream of the court. Tennis Australia later released video of the session but reports on the ground indicated an “uncomfortable” situation for the Serbian.
Both of his parents have been outspoken during the course of the appeal, with his father claiming victory for human rights and free speech in “a young man from a small, poor country” defeating “big, powerful people” in the courts. Djokovic’s mother, meanwhile, compared his treatment to being “subjected to torture, to harassment”.
However, none of his family opted to answer questions surrounding the tennis star’s positive Covid result from December, ending a press conference when the matter arose on Monday. Court documents show Djokovic testing positive on 16 December, but the following day he was apparently photographed in public settings without a mask and with children in attendance. Follow all the latest news and reaction from Djokovic’s hearing below.
Djokovic tipped to be better with fierce crowd
Andrew Castle says Djokovic will thrive in a hostile environment at the Australian Open.
The star has angered some by being allowed to stay in the country and be unvaccinated. The world no.1 could still be deported in coming days but he is preparing for the event which starts on 17 January.
Castle told Sky: “When it’s time, and the bell rings, he’ll be ready to compete. Sometimes Novak can be even better when everyone is against him than when everyone is for him.”
Sarah Rendell11 January 2022 14:10
“Hawke should cancel Djokovic’s visa”
Australia’s immigration minister Alex Hawke is deciding whether or not to deport Djokovic after he won his appeal yesterday.
The Age are reporting former immigration minister for New Zealand, Sir Kerry Burke, believes he should re-cancel his visa.
In a letter, Burke wrote: “If the law requires everybody entering Australia to have two COVID-19 vaccinations, with appropriate time separation between the first and the second and, if Djokovic cannot meet this test, then his attempt to stay in Australia must fail. That will be Minister Hawke’s call and it should be made.
“I understand Tennis Australia’s desire to have this superstar playing in Melbourne, but the absurdity of every spectator needing to be double-vaccinated in order to watch a non-vaccinated player perform is insulting to millions who followed the rules through trying times and would make your great country a laughing stock.
“Minister Hawke should cancel the visa. His authority is clear.”
Sarah Rendell11 January 2022 13:55
How does politics play its part?
The appeal win on Monday has put the Australian government in a tricky situation. Immigration minister Alex Hawke can still deport Djokovic by re-cancelling his visa but the weight of the situation is reflected in how long he is taking to consider it.
A decision is expected on Wednesday with Djokovic continuing his preparations for the Australian Open in the meantime.
Read below for a full piece on what this could mean for the country’s government:
Sarah Rendell11 January 2022 13:40
Djokovic could win the crowd round, says Becker
Boris Becker has warned Djokovic he will face a frosty crowd at the Australian Open if he competes but that he can win them round.
The star could still be deported but at the moment he is on track to attempt to defend his title and win his 21st Grand Slam.
Becker told the BBC: “I’m sure there will be a couple of boos and whistles, but he’s used to that.
“He was always a street-fighter who had to fight the odds and win over the crowd, and it was fascinating in last year’s US Open final when they finally embraced him.
“The crowd will be difficult with him but with each match he starts, he will win the crowd and they will embrace him again. But he is going to have a difficult first week.”
Sarah Rendell11 January 2022 13:25
Novak Djokovic father Srdjan Djokovic calls on Queen Elizabeth to intervene
Novak Djokovic’s father has called on Queen Elizabeth to intervene in his son Novak Djokovic’s visa drama in Australia.
While Djokovic’s father has also labelled Prime Minister Scott Morrison a “dictator”.
“Autocracy has shown its true face today. Contrary to the decision of the independent court of Australia, dictator…
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