"A disgrace": Djokovic receives criticism for situation in Australia 1:42
(CNN) ––
Australian Border Force (ABF) held top tennis player Renata Voráčová over visa issues, while Novak Djokovic's case continues to cause controversy ahead of the Australian Open .
The Novak Djokovic case in Australia: how did we get to this controversy?
"We can confirm that Czech tennis player Renata Voráčová is on the same retention as Djokovic, along with several other tennis players, in Melbourne," the Czech Republic Foreign Ministry told CNN in a statement.
"Our Consulate General in Sydney is handling the situation and is in contact with the tennis player," he added.
Australia cancels Djokovic's visa to enter the country 1:17
What we know about tennis player Voráčová in Australia
Australian newspaper
The Age
reported that the former Wimbledon doubles semi-finalist entered Australia on a medical exemption.
This is because he had been infected with covid-19 in the last six months.
Voráčová, 38, has already played in a preparation tournament in Melbourne.
She lost in the first round of the women's doubles competition at the Melbourne Summer Set tournament.
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Renata Voracova in action against Johanna Larsson at the Fuzion 100 Southsea Trophy on June 26, 2018.
Without naming Voráčová, ABF told CNN on Friday that the investigation into the visa status of the person related to the tournament had already ended.
"This person has been held by immigration pending his withdrawal from Australia," the ABF said in a statement.
Nick Kyrgios criticizes "very bad" treatment of Novak Djokovic amid visa dispute
"All travelers entering Australia must do so in accordance with our strict laws and entry requirements. Regardless of their status or their reasons for entering the country," the ABF added.
Voráčová has a "proven non-infectious status"
The Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that according to its information, Voráčová has a proven non-infectious status which entitles him to participate in the tournament and subsequently lodged a protest with the Australian authorities asking for an explanation.
However, the ministry confirmed that Voráčová had decided to withdraw from the tournament and leave the country, due to the limited training that is now possible.
Australia cancels Novak Djokovic's visa to enter the country
"Our embassy in Australia is helping her complete the procedures to leave the country. And will continue to contact her in case of any complications," he added.
Neither Tennis Australia nor representatives for Voráčová were immediately available for comment when contacted by CNN.
In addition, another unknown person voluntarily left Australia after the investigations, the ABF said.
Leaked letter
A letter obtained by an Australian newspaper appears to show that Tennis Australia was able to erroneously inform unvaccinated players that they could enter the country to participate in the tournament.
Nadal throws a dart on the Djokovic case 0:49
The
Herald Sun
newspaper on Friday published what appears to be a letter sent from Tennis Australia, organizers of the competition, to the players on December 7.
CNN cannot independently verify the authenticity of the letter.
The letter advises that a confirmed COVID-19 infection in the past six months, along with an attached letter from a doctor or public health authority, would be considered valid documentation for a medical exemption.
Players were urged to submit their applications no later than Dec. 10, according to the document.
The guide appears to contradict the advice in a widely informed letter sent by Australia's Health Minister Greg Hunt to tournament director Craig Tiley in November.
The communication emphasized that a covid-19 infection in the last six months did not meet the requirements for free entry from quarantine.
The Djokovic case
Tennis Australia has not commented publicly since Wednesday, when Tiley defended the medical exemption granted to Djokovic.
Amid global controversy over the case, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said this week that the tennis player, who has not publicly disclosed his vaccination status, "did not have a valid medical exemption" for the required vaccination requirement. to those entering Australia.
Djokovic was transferred to Melbourne's Park Hotel, a holding facility for refugees and asylum seekers, after his visa to enter Australia was canceled, according to CNN affiliates Seven Network and Nine News.
The hearing for Djokovic's appeal to the cancellation of his visa was postponed until Monday.
Australian Open 2022