Tag: Tennis

Djokovic Could Overcome Deportation Hurdle in Quest for 10th Australian Open: Media Lawyer

World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has a good chance of overcoming a court hearing and deportation order in his campaign for a 21st Grand Slam, according to one litigator. Justin Quill, a media and litigation partner at Thomson Geer lawyers, said there was a possibility the Federal Circuit and Family Court could grant…


Djokovic in Limbo as Lawyers Fight Australia Ban

MELBOURNE—Novak Djokovic faced at least 72 hours holed up in a Melbourne hotel for immigration detainees after he was denied entry into Australia on Thursday amid a political firestorm over his medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination requirements. The tennis star, who is chasing a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open, remained in the…


Djokovic’s Family Says Star a Victim of Politics, Kept as ‘Prisoner’ in Australia

The family of Novak Djokovic and the president of his home country say Australia’s crackdown on the tennis star is part of a political agenda. “This has nothing to do with sports, this is a political agenda. Novak is the best player and the best athlete in the world, but several hundred million people from…


The Djokovic Vaccination Charade

Commentary The announcement that Novak Djokovic, the world’s number one ranked tennis player, had received a medical exemption from compulsory vaccination to enable him to participate in the Australian Open was received in Australia with disbelief. Djokovic himself announced the news on social media on Tuesday, and Australians, including most sports commentators, had reacted disgustedly…


‘Rules Are Rules’: Australia Cancels Novak Djokovic Visa After Denying Entry

The Australian government has cancelled the visa of tennis star Novak Djokovic, who was held at Melbourne airport for over five hours upon arrival on Wednesday night, just days before the Australian Open. The decision comes after Djokovic claimed to have an exemption to compete in the event despite COVID-19 vaccination border entry requirements. Djokovic…


‘Rules Are Rules’: Australia Cancels Novak Djokovic’s Visa After Denying Entry

The Australian government has cancelled the visa of tennis star Novak Djokovic, who was held at Melbourne airport for over five hours upon arrival on Wednesday night, just days before the Australian Open. The decision comes after Djokovic claimed to have an exemption to compete in the event despite COVID-19 vaccination border entry requirements. Djokovic…


Djokovic Stuck at Airport, Awaiting Australian Government Visa Decision

MELBOURNE—Novak Djokovic was left stranded at an Australian airport overnight, caught in a political storm over whether to honor the World No. 1’s medical exemption from vaccine requirements or send him home due to a visa blunder. Djokovic, who is seeking a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam win at the Australian Open, touched down at Melbourne’s…


Novak Djokovic Denied Entry to Australia, Has Visa Canceled

Novak Djokovic was denied entry into Australia and had his visa canceled after arriving in Melbourne late Wednesday to defend his title at the season-opening tennis major. The Australian Border Force issued a statement early Thursday local time saying Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet entry requirements and “has visa has been subsequently…


Is It Two or Three Cheers for Djokovic at the Australian Open?

Commentary Maybe it’s because I’m a contrarian—many didn’t like him, especially the legions of Raphael Nadal and Roger Federer supporters—but I have been a huge Novak Djokovic fan even before 2011 when he won three Grand Slams (as he did again in 2021) and took his high place in the anointed of tennis. I liked…


Djokovic Says He Has ‘Exemption Permission’ for Australia

Novak Djokovic looks to be heading to the Australian Open. The top-ranked Djokovic said in a post on Instagram on Tuesday he has got “an exemption permission” to travel to Australia. Djokovic has continually refused to reveal if he is vaccinated against the coronavirus, a requirement to play in Melbourne. If he plays at the…