Novak Djokovic's visa has been cancelled and he has been issued a letter telling him that he will be deported.
The World No. 1 arrived in Melbourne just before midnight on Wednesday evening and was held in isolation at Tullamarine airport whilst border forces assessed the grounds for his visa application.
Border Force says he failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements. His visa has since been revoked.
Djokovic will now he transported to a quarantine hotel and his team is likely to challenge this decision in a Victorian court. If unsuccessful, Djokovic will be sent home today.
Serbia's president Aleksandar Vucic commented on the situation via his social media platforms: “I told him Serbia is with him. Our authorities are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world's best tennis player is brought to an end immediately.”
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has made the following statement: “Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.”
Djokovic’s father’s response: “They are holding my son captive. If they don’t let him go in half an hour, we will gather on the street. This is a fight for everyone.”
We will continue to follow the situation as it unfolds.
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