Mitali Palnitkar
Published On: January 16, 2022 at 16:21 IST
On January 16, 2022, the Australian government’s decision given by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke of cancelling Novak Djokovic’s Visa was upheld by an Australian Court. This was because the international tennis player was unvaccinated.
The Federal Court’s three-Judge Bench heard the Case. The Government Lawyers argued that Djokovic’s presence would be risky for Australia at a stage when the pandemic has hit worst in the country since its beginning. They argued that allowing an unvaccinated Djokovic could lead to an increase in the anti-vaccination sentiment.
Due to the Court’s decision, Djokovic cannot play the Australian Open Grand Slam this time. He stated that he was extremely disappointed by the decision but would respect the decision and also cooperate with the authorities with respect to his departure from the country.
He also stated that the focus shall shift to the Australian Open Grand Slam which will commence from January 17 in Melbourne.
Djokovic, who is a Serbian tennis player was allowed to enter Australia due to a medical exemption even while being unvaccinated. This made several Australians furious and gave rise to a political issue for the Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who will be calling a Federal election before May 2022.
After the Court’s decision, PM Morrison stated that the decision would help keep the borders of Australia strong and keep the citizens safe. He also stated, “It is now time to get on with the Australian Open and get back to enjoying tennis over the summer.”
Djokovic will be deported from Australia soon.