The tennis star is facing deportation just days before the Australian Open, but his lawyers are trying to keep that from happening and to get him permission to take part in the tournament.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said Friday he used his ministerial discretion to cancel the 34-year-old Serb's visa on public interest grounds - just three days before play begins at the Australian Open, where Djokovic has won a record nine of his 20 Grand Slam titles. Djokovic is the Open's defending champion and is seeking a men's record 21st Grand Slam singles title overall.
Under terms spelled out by the government, Djokovic would remain free on Friday night but would effectively return to immigration detention when he meets with Australian Border Force officials at 8 a.m. local time Saturday . Djokovic's lawyers need to get him two urgent orders. One is an injunction preventing his deportation, like the order he gained last week. The second would make Hawke grant Djokovic a visa to play.
"The Morrison Government is firmly committed to protecting Australia's borders, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic," Hawke said in a statement, referring to Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Novak Djokovic Included in Australian Open DrawNovak Djokovic will get a chance to defend his Australian Open title
Read more »
Novak Djokovic Set to Play Fellow Serb in Australian Open as Visa Decision LoomsNovak Djokovic is slated to play Miomir Kecmanović in the opening round of next week’s Australian Open, although his participation remains in doubt as the government considers canceling his visa for a second time.
Read more »
Novak Djokovic included in Australian Open draw as visa saga continuesAustralia’s prime minister said his government’s tough policy toward visitors who were not vaccinated for Covid-19 had not changed, as it nears a decision on whether to deport Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic.
Read more »
Novak Djokovic drawn against Miomir Kecmanovic at Australian Open amid visa uncertaintyDjokovic, looking to win his 10th Australian Open title in Melbourne, is waiting for Australia's immigration minister Alex Hawke to decide whether to revoke his reinstated visa ahead of the tournament.
Read more »
Novak Djokovic Drawn In Australian Open Despite Looming Deportation DecisionI am a London-based reporter for Forbes covering breaking news. Previously, I have worked as a reporter for a specialist legal publication covering big data and as a freelance journalist and policy analyst covering science, tech and health. I have a master’s degree in Biological Natural Sciences and a master’s degree in the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge. Follow me on Twitter theroberthart or email me at rhartforbes.com
Read more »
Novak Djokovic Drawn In Australian Open Despite Looming Deportation DecisionI am a London-based reporter for Forbes covering breaking news. Previously, I have worked as a reporter for a specialist legal publication covering big data and as a freelance journalist and policy analyst covering science, tech and health. I have a master’s degree in Biological Natural Sciences and a master’s degree in the History and Philosophy of Science from the University of Cambridge. Follow me on Twitter theroberthart or email me at rhartforbes.com
Read more »