Djokovic and his legendary figures in Australia 0:49
(CNN) -
Novak Djokovic arrived in Melbourne before the Australian Open, but a reported visa error raised questions about his participation in the season-opening Grand Slam.
Australian Open organizers announced Tuesday that Djokovic had been granted a medical exemption, a decision that sparked backlash among Australians.
However, according to The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian Border Force contacted the Victorian state government after learning of the problem with the visa presented by Djokovic's team while the Serb was on his way to Australia.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion traveled to Australia on a visa that does not allow medical exemptions for not being vaccinated, Australian media reported.
Novak Djokovic's medical exemption to play at the Australian Open generates rejection
The legendary career of Novak Djokovic 1:07
Djokovic visa causes controversy
Victoria's Acting Sports Minister Jaala Pulford confirmed in a tweet on Wednesday that the government would not support Djokovic's visa application.
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“The federal government has asked if we will support Novak Djokovic's visa application to enter Australia.
We will not provide Novak Djokovic with individual visa application assistance to participate in the 2022 Australian Open Grand Slam, ”Pulford wrote.
"We have always been clear on two points: visa approvals are a matter for the Federal Government and medical exemptions are a matter for doctors," he added.
Australian media reported that the Australian Border Force subsequently sought the support of the Victorian government to facilitate Djokovic's entry because Victoria is associated with the Australian Tennis Association to run the Australian Open.
Both The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Djokovic would likely be allowed to get off the plane and into Melbourne, however the situation was still ongoing at midnight local time.
Neither Tennis Australia nor Djokovic's team were immediately available for comment when contacted by CNN.
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