Novak Djokovic was left behind overnight at Melbourne Airport in an unguarded area by police due to a visa issue that could endanger his chances of winning the Australian Open.
Srdjan Djokovic, the father of his son, issued an urgent request to the Australian government for his son’s release.
He stated that he had no clue what was going on and his son is being held captive for five hour. This is not an effort to defend libertarian values, and it is not only a battle for Novak but for all people. He said.
“If they won’t allow him to go in half an hours, we will all gather together on the street. This is a fight that everyone can win.”
The father of his star son told Serbian radio stations that his son was being held in isolation in a small room, without any access to staff or mobile phones.
He told B92 Internet Portal that he saw two officers standing in front of him.
On Wednesday, the extraordinary and growing soap opera about the best men’s soccer player in the world took an unexpected turn when he made a flight to Tullamarine Airport after a 14-hour journey from Dubai.
Novak Djokovic, the Australian Open Champion has arrived in India amid political chaos
Goran Ivanisevic is Djokovic’s coach. He (pictured with Ulises Baldio, physiotherapist), has used social media as a way to share some of the team’s current predicament.
One fan from Serbia rushed to Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, carrying a flag to show support for the player. He is now waiting in an isolated area to find out his fate (pictured).
While the 9-time Open champion might have been equipped with the exemption to vaccine that would allow him to participate in Melbourne, it is not clear if he was issued the proper visa.
At 4.00am Thursday morning, the star of Serbian still had not passed passport control. He also endured hours-long discussions with Border Force officers.
Goran Ivanisevic is Djokovic’s coach and has used social media to provide a brief insight to the team’s situation.
This photo shows Ulises Badio, physiotherapist, and himself reclining on large armchairs. The caption reads: “Not the most typical trip down Under.”
One fan from Serbia rushed to Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, carrying a flag to show support for the player. He is now waiting in an isolated place to find out his fate.
After revealing that he had received a vaccination exemption, the 34-year old has been the target of major backlash from Australians.
His appearance at the Open is now in doubt due to visa chaos. It was claimed that his team submitted a visa application which doesn’t permit medical exemptions.
His exemption, thought to have been due to Covid infected within the previous six-months, may not be valid as per federal guidelines. Federal guidelines dictate who can cross Australia’s frontier.
At 4.00 AM on Thursday, the Serbian Star (pictured) had not passed passport control and had been subject to hours-long discussions with Border Force officers.
Federal Border Force agents learned that Djokovic would attempt to enter the country with a visa that does not allow for medical exemptions. Sources claimed that Djokovic had been in flight while the agency was investigating.
So, on Wednesday night they reached out to the Victorian government to request formal assistance in facilitating their entry to the country. But this was not accepted.
One source said that they might have to detain him, or send him abroad.
Jaala Pulford, acting sports minister, confirmed that the state government wouldn’t support the application.
“The Federal Government asked us if we would support Novak Djokovic’s visa application for entry to Australia,” Ms Pulford tweeted 11.14pm.
Novak Djokovic won’t receive any individual visa assistance to enable him to compete in the 2022 Australian Open Grand Slam.
“We have always understood two things: Visa approvals are for the Federal Government and medical exemptions for doctors.
In a series tweets, Jaala Pulford (pictured), the acting sports minister confirmed that the state government wouldn’t support the application.
According to sources, Federal Border Force officers learned that Djokovic was trying to enter the country with a visa that does not allow medical exemptions while he was on the ground.
Craig Tiley, the tournament director insisted that the No. 1 player was not receiving any special treatment. Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Canada said that the player would be “on the next plane home” if he couldn’t provide proper proof for his exemption.
Morrison stated that if the evidence was not sufficient, he would be treated as any other person and be taken on to his next flight home.
“There shouldn’t be any special rules for Novak Djokovic.” No.
Djokovic’s exemption will have to be applied upon his arrival in Australia, according to the prime minister.
‘There are other cases — there are quite a number over the last couple of years — where people have had these exemptions and have the suitable proof to support their claim in those circumstances,’ Mr Morrison said.
“So, this isn’t a unique circumstance. It is not about whether there are sufficient facts to prove that he qualifies for exemption.
Djokovic was left to contemplate this remarkable start to his travels, and there were increasing demands that he clarify all doubts about why he was granted the exemption.
Rod Laver, an Australian tennis legend believes Djokovic owes everybody an explanation.
Australians are furious at Djokovic’s exemption via Twitter.
Currently, everyone entering Australia – even its own citizens – must be fully-vaccinated against Covid or face two weeks in hotel quarantine (pictured, Djokovic in February 2021)
News Corp. asked the 11-time Grand Slam winner, “If he’s got an explanation for (the exclusion), then…we should be able to know it,”
“Yes, you are a good player, and have won many tournaments so it doesn’t matter if you don’t play physical.” What’s the problem then?
Laver warned that the scenes in court could turn ugly when Victorians go out to get vaccinated. The Victorians had been unable to escape a 260 day lockdown which started in January 2020.
At the moment, anyone entering Australia (even its citizens) must have a complete vaccination against Covid. Otherwise they will be subject to two weeks of quarantine in a hotel.
Toni Nadal (the uncle and former coach of Djokovic’s rival Rafael Nadal) urged Djokovic clarify his position.
Nadal stated in a newspaper column published in El Pais: “There are nearly six million people who have died due to this virus. And many millions more who have been vaccinated.”
“I believe Novak understands all of this, and I think he will be able to clear any doubts. This is a sign that Novak has human sensibility and understanding.
Now, it is uncertain if the federal guidelines allow for the exclusion of the player who was infected with Covid during the previous six-months.
Rod Laver fears that Djokovic could be involved on Melbourne Park’s court named for him. Therefore, he is asking Rod to allow the Serb into his world.
“I fear it could get ugly. The Victorians would think, “Yes, I love him playing and competing but there is a right and wrong way.”
“If (the exemption) is justified, we ought to know.”
Ash Barty, Australia’s No.1 world ranking athlete said that it was a difficult one. The Australian public has shown a bit of their frustrations over the past few days.
I understand that they might be disappointed with the decision. Novak’s medical past is not something I care about. This is not my choice. These decisions have been made. These decisions are completely beyond my control.
Rod Laver (pictured at South Australia’s hotel balcony, January 20th) believes Djokovic owes all an explanation for his exclusion.