Australian Open: Djokovic held alone without phone at airport over visa row
Novak Djokovic’s attempts to compete at the Australian Open this month were thrown into fresh doubt on Wednesday as he was held at an airport amid a spiralling outcry over his controversial “medical exemption” agreed by the tournament’s organisers.
The world No 1 and reigning Australian Open champion was held up at passport control at Tullamarine airport in Melbourne, the host city of the tournament, for several hours late at night as he was questioned.
snip
Scott Morrison, the Australian prime minister, added his voice to the furore, saying Djokovic’s presence in Melbourne was still not certain and he would be “on the next plane home” if he is unable to provide proof of his medical exemption. “If that evidence is insufficient, then he won’t be treated any different to anyone else and he’ll be on the next plane home. There should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic at all. None whatsoever.”
I hope Djokovic is sent home.
Novak Djokovic: Tennis star's Australia entry delayed over visa row
Scott Morrison said the tennis player "could be on the next plane home" if the proof was insufficient.
The tournament's organisers say the defending champion has not been given special treatment, but the decision has infuriated many Australians. The country is seeing tens of thousands of Covid-19 cases for the first time after enduring some of the world's strictest restrictions.
Amid the controversy, Mr Morrison said the Serbian player would be required to present evidence upon arrival that he has a genuine medical exemption from vaccination. The Australian Open begins on 17 January in Melbourne.
"If that evidence is insufficient, then he won't be treated any different to anyone else," the prime minister told reporters. "There should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic at all. None whatsoever."
Wednesday, Jan 5, 2022 · 10:25:00 PM +00:00 · eeff
Novak Djokovic: Australia cancels top tennis player's visa
World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has been denied entry to Australia over an issue with his visa.
The player arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday where authorities noticed a mistake with his application.
Djokovic was due to play in the Australian Open, after being exempted from vaccination rules.
He has been told he will be deported but his lawyers have said they will challenge the decision, Australian media report.
The tennis star had been quizzed in a room at Melbourne airport for hours while his visa and exemption status was being investigated.