The Australian government has confirmed that it will grant tennis player Novak Djokovic a temporary visa during the Australian Open, a year after the Serb was deported for not being vaccinated against Covid-19.
“Djokovic received a temporary visa to enter Australia,” says a statement from the Australian Interior Minister, Andrew Giles, considering that the reason for the cancellation of the visa ceased to exist.
The Serbian tennis player, who has nine victories at the Australian Open, reacted to the decision, shortly after securing a place in the semifinals of the ATP Finals, in Turin, by beating Russian Andrey Rublev.
“I was very happy to hear the news. It was a relief, obviously. The Australian Open is my most successful Grand Slam, which I have fond memories of. Of course I want to go back and play tennis, which is what I do.” better,” said Djokovic, eighth in the world ranking.
Tennis Australia also welcomed the decision, saying in a statement: “We always strive to have the best players in the world competing in Melbourne. We look forward to delivering the best tournament for players and fans alike.”
Djokovic was deported in January this year, shortly after the start of the hard court tournament, for having entered the country without being vaccinated against Covid-19, having presented a medical exemption, the legality of which was challenged by the Australian authorities.
The visa was canceled as it was felt that Djokovic’s presence could pose a risk to public health and be counterproductive to vaccination efforts in Australia, as part of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
After a brief but intense court battle, the full Australian Federal Court held that the presence of the tennis player constituted a risk to health and public order, since it could contribute to fueling the protests of the anti-vaccine movements, and Djokovic was deported.
The Serb was also banned from entering the country for three years, which has now expired.
Source: TSF
