Chronology of the tennis scandal: four weeks Djokovic

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Novak Djokovic

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Paul Zimmer / imago images / Paul Zimmer

The first Grand Slam winner of 2022 should be known on January 30th.

Novak Djoković still hopes to compete at the Australian Open.

However, the Serb now knows that his visa has been canceled a second time – due to a personal decision by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke.

Djoković can now appeal, but it is unclear by when another appeal would have to be heard in court for Djoković to be allowed to start in Melbourne.

So the Djokovic drama could still be continued.

What happened until now:

December 14, 2021:

Djokovic attends a basketball game in Belgrade and poses for a photo with Barcelona's Nigel Hayes-Davis.

During the encounter, several people apparently became infected with the Covid 19 pathogen.

December 16, 2021:

According to Djoković, he tested positive for Corona on December 16.

A day later he posted a photo showing him presenting a series of stamps with his likeness with a representative of the Serbian Post Office.

December 17, 2021:

Djoković awards young players with trophies at the Novak Tennis Center in Belgrade.

As can be seen in several photos, he is not wearing a mask.

December 18, 2021:

Djokovic meets reporters from the French sports newspaper »L'Équipe« in Belgrade for an interview.

He always wore a mask, only for the photo shoot he took it off.

January 2, 2022:

Djokovic trains at a facility in Marbella, Spain, and thanks an eleven-year-old girl for her good wishes for the Australian Open.

5 January 2022:

Djoković arrives in Melbourne.

He shows the border officials his visa and a special permit that is supposed to allow him to enter the country as a recovered person.

On a questionnaire about his entry, he had previously denied the question of whether he had traveled 14 days before his arrival.

He later admits that the statement was incorrect, that his management filled out the form.

January 7, 2022:

Djokovic spends several days at the Park Hotel in Melbourne, which usually accommodates refugees.

In front of the hotel, fans demonstrate against his arrest.

January 10, 2022:

A judge decides whether Djokovic can stay in Australia or whether he has to leave the country.

He judges in favor of the tennis player because of a formal error.

He was given too little time to take action against the refusal of his visa.

January 12, 2022:

Djokovic publicly commented on the allegations against him for the first time on Instagram.

He wants to take action against "the ongoing false information" about his activities and his presence at events related to his positive PCR test (read a fact check on Djokovic's statements here).

He has already resumed his training at Melbourne Park.

January 13, 2022:

The organizers of the Australian Open draw the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. Also in the draw pot: Novak Djokovic. He is expected to meet his compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round next week. In the semifinals, Djoković could play against Alexander Zverev (Germany) or Rafael Nadal (Spain).

January 14, 2022:

Djokovic's visa is withdrawn again by Australian authorities.

This was announced by Immigration Secretary Alex Hawke.

He acted for reasons of health and public interest, as stated in a statement.

In the evening, an Australian court is to hold a preliminary hearing on the cancellation of the visa.

This was announced by a court spokesman.

Djokovic has had his lawyers appeal the decision, and they want to use a court order to prevent his deportation.

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