World tennis number one Novak Djokovic has reportedly had his Australian Visa rejected, meaning he could be flown out of the country as soon as today.
Djokovic and his team touched down in Melbourne overnight after being granted a medical exemption to play in this month’s Australian Open tournament.
However, it’s understood he arrived with the wrong Visa application. A statement from the Australian Border Force reads the following:
“The Australian Border Force will continue to ensure that those who arrive at our border comply with our laws and entry requirements.
“The ABF can confirm that Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled.
“Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia.
“The ABF can confirm Mr Djokovic had access to his phone,” the statement reads.
Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2022
The 20-time grand slam winner was questioned for hours by the Australian Border Force officials at the airport.
He could be flown out of Australia today, but his lawyers are in the process of appealing the decision.
Serbia’s president posted to social media claiming that he had recently spoken to Djokovic and that the whole country was behind him.
Serbia’s President has spoken with Novak @sunriseon7 @7NewsMelbourne @7NewsAustralia pic.twitter.com/hv1IlMT09r
— Nathan Currie (@NathanJCurrie) January 5, 2022
It’s understood that the rest of Djokovic’s team were processed at the airport and are able to enter the country but are choosing to wait at the airport for him.
This story was still developing at the time of writing.
More to come.
