Novak Djokovic’s ‘Australia tour’

Serb tennis star Novak Djokovic is perhaps the most talked-about personality in the world of sports. Just days before the start of the Australian Open, an Australian court upheld his ban, and Novak was forced to return. As a result, he did not participate in this year’s Australian Open Grand Slam. However, discussions about him started from last Friday. Djokovic’s visa was revoked that day by an executive order from the Australian Government’s immigration department. Authorities also sent him to a detention camp after his arrest last Saturday. The world’s number one tennis star appealed from the detention camp. His appeal was rejected at the hearing, and he faced new sanctions.

However, on social media on the 4th of this month, Djokovic claimed that he had been cleared to play in the Australian Open this year. According to the Australian Government’s immigration policy, no one can travel to Australia without receiving a two-dose approved vaccine. His participation in this year’s Australian Open has become uncertain as he has not received any vaccine so far. Fans and critics have widely criticized him for not taking the vaccine on social media. However, he claimed to have received medical clearance on the 5th. The clearance is jointly approved by Tennis Australia and the Victoria State Authority. The question is, why was Djokovic detained despite the approval of the state government and Tennis Australia? Today’s discussion is to give details with this answer.

Djokovic’s dramatic arrival

Novak Djokovic landed at Melbourne Airport on 5 January. Djokovic was denied entry by airport officials in the early hours of the morning after overnight bargaining and search. Immigration officials announced the cancellation of all documents, including his visa, on the spot. Immigration police detained him and sent him to an infamous immigration hotel. He was detained there for a total of five days. Following the news of Djokovic’s arrest, many Australians took to social media to express their support for the decision. Australians were forced to abide by strict restrictions on vaccination. In the same context, they have not been able to get access to a person without heeding the existing laws of the country positively.

Many Australians gathered outside the hotel’s main gate where Djokovic was being held after his first arrest and shouted at him. On the other hand, many Serbs living in the country also joined the Australians in opposition to Djokovic’s rejection of the vaccine. However, as news of his capture spread, anti-Australian protests erupted in the Serbian capital, Belgrade. Serbian President Alexander Vusic issued a statement sharply criticizing the Australian Government. At the same time, he accuses Djokovic of harassment, which Canberra directly denies. Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, tactfully avoided responsibility for the incident. He instructed Victoria State and Tennis Australia to find a solution. Djokovic’s family has detonated the bomb amid rumors of a two-state government and administration. In a statement to the media, they claimed that the Australian Government had treated Djokovic like a Cuban terrorist!

Why was Djokovic arrested?

Alex Huck, Australia’s immigration minister, was the main culprit behind Djokovic’s visa revocation. Ninety percent of Australians who comply with various restrictions, including strict lockdowns, have already received two doses of the vaccine. The country’s immigration minister, out of respect for citizens, used his special powers to order Djokovic’s arrest. In a statement, Alex Hawke said:

‘Today, I used my power to revoke Djokovic’s visa to create an example of health and good discipline. Moreover, it was a demand of public interest’.

Hearing and release of Djokovic

The January 10 ruling described Djokovic as “deprived of a fair chance” to explain the case. At the same time, the court sought clarification on whether the process of revoking his visa was correct. The court released Djokovic unconditionally and ordered the Government to pay all court costs.

Documents leaked and Djokovic’s liability

Authorities released documents about Djokovic’s trip to the Australian media shortly after the verdict was announced on October 10. There was a lot of important information, including court documents travel declarations. According to the report, there was no evidence that Djokovic had been vaccinated. He also tested Covid-19 twice before traveling to Australia. According to published documents, Djokovic last tested positive for Covid-19 on December 16 last year. In the wake of the leaks, many have expressed negative views about Djokovic. Because, as far as his own personal interpretation is concerned, suspicion has arisen. According to social media reports, Djokovic participated in multiple events a few days before and after the last Kovid-19 test. He also gave an interview to a French publishing house at that time.

Djokovic’s travel documents show that he arrived in Melbourne from Spain via Dubai. His lawyers provided the same information to the court. Djokovic also provided evidence that he had not traveled elsewhere in 14 days. But looking at the social media posts, it is known that he is also in Serbia at this time.

Djokovic added that he had met with a French journalist last month. He removed the mask for the photoshoot, breaking the rules of isolation despite being positive for the Covid-19. However, he admitted his partial mistake in that Instagram message and demanded an opportunity to re-explain.

Is Djokovic being banned?

The results of the January 17 hearing have already been released. A three-judge panel represented Djokovic during Sunday’s hearing. In court, the judge, after hearing arguments from both sides, ruled against Djokovic. Djokovic’s panel claims that all the arguments put forward by the Australian Government are invalid. However, the judge was adamant about state law in the end. Chief Justice James Alsop said that:

“The judgment of the Central Court is based on the validity of the decision of the Immigration Minister, not on whether the decision was correct or not.”

He also mentioned the central Government’s importance of awareness and guidance on Covid-19. All Australian citizens and travelers must abide by strict laws to deal with the epidemic. James Alsop also commented that no one is above the law, no matter who the rejecter is.

Respecting the ruling, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said:

“These decisions will increase our border security and keep our citizens safe.”

The biggest question after the verdict was whether Djokovic would be punished. That’s what happened, and he was banned in Australia for three years. However, the Prime Minister of Australia has stated that there is a possibility of partial remission of the sentence. BBC Australia reported that Djokovic left Melbourne for Dubai on a special flight a few hours after the verdict. On the other hand, Djokovic’s departure from Australia has left the ATP, the highest governing body of men’s tennis, quite worried. A spokesman for the agency called the incident “tragic.”