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Djokovic vs Australia - 19th January 2022
The Australian Open tennis competition has commenced but without the world number one male player Novak Djokovic.
The Serbian player arrived in Australia on 5th January. It was understood that Australian tennis authorities had given him an exemption from the country’s strict immigration rules which demand that all visitors are vaccinated against Covid-19.
Djokovic stated that he had tested positive for Covid-19 in December, which meant he could not be vaccinated ahead of travelling.
However, when it was revealed that he had travelled to other countries in the 10 days prior to arriving in Australia and had failed to declare this, immigration minister Alex Hawke cancelled Mr Djokovic’s visa.
After legal action, an Australian court ruled in Mr Djokovic’s favour. He was able to leave the isolation hotel and begin his preparations for the tournament.
A subsequent appeal by the government saw a second court overturn the verdict and Djokovic was deported.
It was feared that if Djokovic remained in the country, he may become the focus of anti-vaccine protests. But as spectators arrived for the first day of the Open, attention was firmly on the tennis.
Sarah Wals: "I think it's just better for everyone and people can focus on the tennis now, not on unvaccinated players."
However, tennis fans are torn as to where the blame for the Djokovic drama lies.
Tom Crvenkovic: "Did he embarrass Australia? We stuffed up too. We didn’t handle it perfectly. I think both sides are to blame."
Djokovic, who had hoped to beat the world record and win his 21st Grand Slam competition, instead now faces a three year ban on returning to Australia.
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