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05th Jan 2022

Novak Djokovic’s visa revoked by Australian border security

Callum Boyle

Djokovic will no longer play at the Australian Open

Novak Djokovic has had his visa revoked by Australian border security officials, who intend to deport him on Thursday 6th January.

The world number one will no longer take part in the Australian Open after he was denied entry to the Australia due to a mix-up with his Visa application, despite having supposedly obtained medical exemption from having to have the Covid-19 vaccine to enter the country.

The Serb was questioned in Melbourne by officials for hours while his Visa was investigated. His team failed to request a visa that permits medical exemptions for being unvaccinated.

Australia were widely criticised for allowing the Serb to enter the country given it’s strict vaccination policy, with many locals calling the decision a “slap in the face” after they have been subject to some of the harshest lockdown restrictions in the pandemic.

Prime minister, Scott Morrison previously stated that Djokovic would be “be on the next plane home” should he fail to provide “acceptable proof.”

The tournament begins in Melbourne on 17 January.