4:51 PM
The world's No. 1-ranked tennis player was denied entry into Australia after being granted a medical exemption so that he could play in the Australian Open.
A letter from the Australian government said that he would be deported after he was left stranded at the airport.
The Australian Border Force said in a statement that it will continue to ensure that those who arrive at our border comply with our laws and entry requirements.
The visa of Mr. Djokovic was canceled after he failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia. "Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa canceled will be removed from Australia."
A source close to the tournament told the news agency that a court injunction was being filed to prevent his deportation. He was granted a medical exemption to play at the first Grand Slam of the season, where he is a nine-time winner and the defending champion.
The exemption would have allowed him to play regardless of his vaccine status, but he also needed to meet strict border regulations to enter the country.
The visa of Mr. Djokovic has been canceled. Scott Morrison, the prime minister of Australia, said on Thursday that rules are rules. No one is above the rules. Australia has one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, and our strong border policies have been critical to that.
The visa of Mr. Djokovic has been canceled. When it comes to our borders, rules are rules. No one is above the rules. Australia has one of the lowest death rates in the world due to its strong border policies.
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January 5, 2022.
His father said that his son was being held in a room with police out front after landing in Melbourne, amid reports that a mix-up with his visa could jeopardize his entry into the country.
According to The Age newspaper in Australia, a mistake with his visa application delayed his entry at the airport. Speculation of a possible issue with the visa emerged while the tennis player was in transit, and it got worse with mixed messages from federal and state lawmakers.
Critics questioned what grounds he could have for the exemption after he revealed on social media that he was heading to Australia to try and win his 21st major title.
Information from The Associated Press was used.
