It’s been just revealed that Novak Djokovic’s chance to play for a 10th Australian Open title is now hanging into limbo. ESPN.com notes that the country denied him entry and canceled his visa because he failed to meet the requirements for an exemption to covid vaccination rules.
He announced on social media Tuesday that he had “exemption permission” and landed in Australia late Wednesday after receiving a medical exemption from the Victoria state government that was expected to shield him from the strict vaccination regulations in place for this year’s first major tennis tournament.
It seems that border authorities did not accept the exemption.
The Australian Border Force issued a statement saying Djokovic failed to meet entry requirements.
“The rule is very clear.”
This is what Prime Minister Scott Morrison told a news conference Thursday.
He continued and said:
“You need to have a medical exemption. He didn’t have a valid medical exemption. We make the call at the border, and that’s where it’s enforced.”
It’s also important to note the fact that Djokovic’s lawyers launched a challenge in Australia’s Federal Circuit Court against the cancellation of his visa but his hearing has been adjourned until Monday.
“It’s a complete detention facility”
Tennis star Novak Djokovic is staying in a government detention hotel whilst facing deportation from Australia.
ABC reporter Tracey Holmes tells #BBCBreakfast the situation he is facing there ⤵️https://t.co/RQaMWi6VCt pic.twitter.com/DucQgEPrAi
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) January 6, 2022
Covid in France
It’s also been revealed that during an interview with Le Parisien that has been published on Tuesday, President Emmanuel Macron said that he wanted to severely limit the access unvaccinated people had to social events, and he also vowed to make life difficult for them.
“As for those who are unvaccinated, I really want to piss them off,” he said.
He continued and said the following:
“And so we will continue to do so, until the end. That is the strategy.”
Stay tuned for more news.
