Novak Djokovic is set to miss the 10th Australian Open title over the COVID-19 vaccination row.
The World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic has been denied entry into Australia for failing to meet the COVID-19 vaccination exemption protocol.
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The multiple-grand slam winner had on Tuesday announced that he had “exemption permission”.
In a post available on his verified Instagram page, he wrote:
“Happy New Year, everybody! Wishing you all health, love, and happiness in every present moment and may you feel love & respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet.
“I’ve spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break and today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permit. Let’s go 2022 !!”
However, upon his arrival in the late hours of Wednesday, the country cancelled his visa.
The Australia Ministry of Health said his visa cancellation followed due protocols.
The health minister, Gregory Hunt said the medical exemption failed to meet a valid “at the integrity and the evidence behind it.”
He further advised Djokovic to provide “the appropriate evidence to meet entry requirements”.
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Hunt’s words:
“The advice I have and if I can just quote it for you is: the ABF can confirm that Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and visa has been subsequently cancelled.
“So, it’s a matter for him whether he wishes to appeal that but if a visa is cancelled, somebody will have to leave the country.”
Meanwhile, the BBC reported that Djokovic was held at the airport for hours before he was denied entry.
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The border officials took him to a government detention hotel after announcing that he failed to meet the entry requirement.
However, a court has agreed to delay his deportation until Monday.
It is important to note that the number one player received a medical exemption from the Victoria State Government.
This was expected to shield him from the strict vaccination regulations in sports. Especially in the 2022 first major tennis tournament.
Source: PUNCH HealthWise
