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Nicolas Atkin

Tennis world No 1 Novak Djokovic’s lawyers have launched a Federal Circuit Court challenge to the Australian government’s decision to deport him from the country.
The 34-year-old landed at Melbourne’s Tullamarine airport overnight amid a storm of protest about a decision to grant him a medical exemption.
His lawyers now plan to file an injunction to prevent his removal and a request against the visa cancellation was listed for hearing at 4pm local time in the Federal Circuit and Family Court, according to court documents.
His attempt to enter Australia turned into a diplomatic row after Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic vowed to “fight for Novak”.
The Djokovic saga raises questions about ‘celebrity privilege’
“I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world’s best tennis player is brought to an end immediately,” Vucic said in a statement.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison denied claims of harassment, and said Djokovic was not welcome in Australia.

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

“There are no special cases, rules are rules,” the Australian PM said during a televised media briefing. “We will continue to make the right decisions when it comes to securing Australian borders in relation to this pandemic.”
The 20-time grand slam champion was denied entry after landing on Wednesday ahead of this month’s Australian Open major tournament at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic was then reportedly questioned by officials for hours in a room before being transported to a quarantine hotel in Melbourne. His father Srdjan told Serbian media the room was guarded by police with no one else allowed to enter.

1.50am update, Djokovic still hasn’t been let through. One fan made an appearance to show his support. @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/6zTmjbd70L
— Miles Proust (@MilesProust) January 5, 2022

Morrison had said on Wednesday that Djokovic would be put “on the next plane home” if he could not provide “sufficient evidence” to warrant a medical exemption to play in this month’s Australian Open without a Covid-19 vaccination.
Djokovic’s Australian Open vaccine exemption sparks anger
Australia’s Border Force confirmed Djokovic’s visa had been revoked, after one of his entourage reportedly applied for a subclass of visa which does not allow medical exemptions for being unvaccinated.
The error was discovered by the Australian border force while the nine-time Australian Open champion and his team were already aboard their 14-hour commercial flight from Dubai.

Tournament organisers and Victoria state rules had insisted all players and members of their teams must be double vaccinated to compete at Melbourne Park this year.
But Djokovic posted on social media on Tuesday that he had been given a medical exemption – which sparked anger among some local residents after nearly two years of pandemic restrictions.

Happy New Year! Wishing you all health, love & joy in every moment & may you feel love & respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet.

I’ve spent fantastic quality time with loved ones over break & today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let’s go 2022! pic.twitter.com/e688iSO2d4
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 4, 2022

“My view is that any individual seeking to enter into Australia must comply with our border requirements,” Morrison had told reporters on Wednesday.
“Novak Djokovic, when he arrives in Australia, if he’s not vaccinated he must provide acceptable proof he cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, to be able to access the same travel arrangements as fully vaccinated travellers.
“So we await his presentation and what evidence he provides to support that. If that evidence is insufficient, then he won’t be treated differently to anyone else, and he’ll be on the next plane home.”
Djokovic got no ‘special favours’ for Australian Open, insists tennis boss
“There should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic at all, none whatsoever,” Morrison added.
“And if medical exemptions have been provided by medical professionals and that’s been furnished to him as a proviso to get on that plane, we’ll have to stack that up when he arrives in Australia.”


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Australian Open

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic’s lawyers launch court action after visa cancelled

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup trophy following his victory against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev in their men’s singles final match on day fourteen of the 2021 Australian Open. Photo: AFP

Novak Djokovic poses for pictures after winning the Australian Open for a ninth time. Photo: Reuters

Novak Djokovic saga raises questions about ‘celebrity privilege’ as rage and sympathy greets his arrival and detention in Australia

Novak Djokovic celebrates after winning the Australian Open men’s singles final in 2021. Photo: Reuters

Members of Melbourne’s Serbian community gather for a vigil outside a hotel where Novak Djokovic is reported to be staying. Photo: AFP

Novak Djokovic poses with the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup trophy during a photo shoot at the Brighton Beach in Melbourne, a day after his victory at the 2021 Australian Open. Photo: AFP

Sapin’s Rafael Nadal, who recently recovered from Covid-19, said Novak Djokovic knew the risks before he travelled to Australia. Photo: AFP-

Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open vaccine exemption sparks anger from Melbourne netizens – ‘expect a hostile reception’

Novak Djokovic holds the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup trophy after beating Russia’s Daniil Medvedev to win the 2021 Australian Open. Photo: AFP

Novak Djokovic looks on during the 2021 Paris Masters final against Daniil Medvedev. Photo: EPA

Novak Djokovic in action against Alexander Zverev in Turin. Photo: EP

Novak Djokovic poses with the trophy during a photo shoot at Brighton Beach after winning the 2021 Australian Open. Photo: Reuters

Naomi Osaka says only goal is to ‘have fun’ after ending four-month absence with Melbourne win

Naomi Osaka smiles during a practice session on Margaret Court Arena at the Summer Set tennis tournament ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne. Photo: AP

Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action during her round-of-32 match against France’s Alize Cornet in Melbourne. Photo: Reuters

Naomi Osaka signs autographs for fans after beating France’s Alize Cornet. Photo: Reuters

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic got no ‘special favours’ on Covid-19 vaccine exemption, insists tennis boss Craig Tiley

Novak Djokovic has been granted a medical exemption to play in the Australian Open. Photo: AP

Novak Djokovic withdraws from ATP Cup, deepening Australian Open doubts

Djokovic will not compete at the upcoming ATP Cup in Sydney, adding to speculation whether he will be at the Australian Open in Melbourne. Photo: AFP

Novak Djokovic has thrown even more doubt over his involvement in the Australian Open, after withdrawing from the ATP Cup. Photo: Getty Images

Sport

Tennis


Djokovic’s attempt to enter Australia with medical exemption from getting vaccinated against Covid-19 turns into diplomatic row
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says world No 1 tennis star is ‘not welcome’ and will be deported



World No 1 tennis star’s attempt to enter Australia with vaccine medical exemption turns into diplomatic row as Primer Minister Scott Morrison says he’s ‘not welcome’ and will be deported.


Novak Djokovic

Australia

Coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus pandemic: All stories

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic’s lawyers launch court action after visa cancelled

Djokovic’s attempt to enter Australia with medical exemption from getting vaccinated against Covid-19 turns into diplomatic row Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says world No 1 tennis star is ‘not welcome’ and will be deported

Djokovic’s attempt to enter Australia with medical exemption from getting vaccinated against Covid-19 turns into diplomatic row

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says world No 1 tennis star is ‘not welcome’ and will be deported