In anticipation of the Australian Open in January, Novak Djokovic is awaiting word on his visa status.
The season-opening deportation of the nine-time Melbourne champion results in a three-year automatic ban from visiting the nation. One Minister has said that Djokovic does not deserve to come back because
He didn’t “do the right thing and get vaccinated” while he waited for news on whether the ban would be lifted.
Djokovic’s visa was revoked twice when he arrived in Melbourne nine months ago to compete in this year’s Australian Open.
After initially being successful in his request to have the competition reinstated, he was deported just before the tournament.
Individuals who have their visas revoked automatically lose the right to enter the nation for three years.
On appeal, the ban can be lifted, and the world No. 7 is currently waiting to hear whether he will be able to compete in the first Grand Slam of 2023.
The idea of Djokovic returning to Australia before his ban expires in 2025, however, is adamantly opposed mostly by Australians.
Because he didn’t “do the right thing,” Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said that Djokovic’s comeback would constitute a “slap in the face.”
“There would have been other people in similar circumstances that have also had their visas canceled,”
On ABC Radio, she said.
“So if immigration now chooses to make a special allowance for Novak Djokovic the obvious question is what are they going to do about anyone else who may be in similar circumstances?”
“I want to go and I want to play there”- Novak Djokovic
Despite Andrews’ opposition to lifting Djokovic’s suspension, the Australian Home Affairs Ministry said it did not comment on particular incidents.
The Minister argued that, despite this, his return will be a “slap in the face for those Australians who did the right thing (and) got vaccinated.”
She continued:
“(Why should) Novak Djokovic be allowed back into the country simply because he’s a high-ranking tennis player with many millions of dollars?
It shouldn’t be just one rule for (him) and a different rule for everyone else.”
The nine-time Australian Open champion said that after serving his sentence, he would try to enter the match in January.
“I’m still waiting for news that my ban will be lifted, I think I’ve been banned from traveling for three years due to circumstances earlier this year,”
He made this statement when winning the Astana Open.
“Once that is removed, I need to apply for a visa. I want to go and I want to play there.”
Djokovic’s words came after Australian Open tournament director and chief of Tennis Australia Craig Tiley said they were “on track to have all the top players back,”
a strong indication of the Serb’s desire to return.
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