Topline
Tennis star Novak Djokovic can stay in Melbourne until at least Monday, an Australian federal court said in an interim ruling Thursday, after the tennis star launched a legal challenge against the cancelation of his visa by border authorities for failing to provide sufficient proof for a medical exemption from receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts as he beats Germany’s Alexander Zverev in straight sets in their … [+]
Key Facts
The interim verdict comes after Djokovic’s legal team appealed the cancelation of his visa before the Federal Circuit Court in Melbourne on Thursday afternoon, Australian newspaper the Age reported.
After his visa was canceled, Djokovic was placed under immigration detention in a Melbourne hotel.
Lawyers for the world number men’s 1 player told the court that organizers of the Australian Open will need a definitive answer by Tuesday as they will need time to find a replacement if Djokovic can’t take part.
Judge Anthony Kelly, who is hearing the case, warned that he will not be bound by the tournament’s timelines.
Earlier on Thursday, the lawyer representing the federal government indicated that it had not made a decision on whether to immediately deport Djokovic or wait until a verdict on his visa is delivered, News.com.au reported.
Surprising Fact
During the hearing, Judge Kelly asked if Djokovic had access to a tennis court for practice at the Melbourne hotel where he was being detained. He then added, “I don’t expect you to answer that, but it just seems a realistic question to pose.”
Tangent
According to the Age, the Australian Border Force is now investigating at least one other unvaccinated tennis player and an official who have already been allowed to enter the country. The investigation was reportedly prompted by Tennis Australia’s claim that these individuals also received the same vaccine exemption as Djokovic as they had contracted Covid-19 in the previous six months.
Crucial Quote
Reacting to Djokovic’s situation, one of his top on-court rivals, Rafael Nadal said: “It’s normal that the people here in Australia gets very frustrated with the case, because they have been going through a lot of very hard lockdowns… A lot of people were not able to come back home. The only for me clear thing is if you are vaccinated, you can play in the Australian Open and everywhere, and the world in my opinion have been suffering enough to not follow the rules.”
Further Reading
Djokovic Will Be Deported From Australia But His Lawyers Vow To Appeal, Reports Say (Forbes)
Novak Djokovic wins court bid to remain in Australia until Monday (The Age)
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Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/siladityaray/2022/01/06/djokovic-can-stay-in-melbourne-until-monday-as-he-fights-visa-cancellation-in-court/