In order for the tennis stars to be allowed to enter Australia and play this year’s first grand slam tournament, they must be double-vaccinated against covid-19, which Novak Djokovic is not. Exceptions are allowed in the case of a medical exemption and such an application was made by the Serb, and received.
The basis for the decision to grant him such an exemption was that the Serb had recently tested positive for the coronavirus, on 16 December. According to the rules that the Australian Open organizer and the state of Victoria adhered to, you can get an exemption if you have tested positive in the last six months.
But when Djokovic arrived in Melbourne, he was stopped – and had his visa revoked. Federal laws did not approve his medical exemption, and Djokovic stated on the spot that he was not vaccinated.
The world setter and his lawyers then appealed the decision. While waiting for the court hearing, Djokovic has been allowed to stay in an asylum hotel.
When the court in Melbourne ruled on the matter on Monday, it was considered that Djokovic had the correct documentation with him, and the tennis star was therefore released from quarantine and regained his visa.
But Djokovic still risks being expelled from Australia. Alex Hawke, the minister responsible for immigration and citizenship, among other things, can withdraw his visa.
Djokovic is chasing his 21st grand slam title that would make him historic. Right now he shares the record, 21, with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
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