Less than a week before the start of the Australian Open (January 17-30), Christopher Tran, a government lawyer, on Tuesday warned that Canberra could still decide to expel Novak Djokovic, which would have for consequence of forbidding him any entry into the territory for three years. The Australian government said Monday evening it was considering what action to take. "
Immigration Minister Hawke still has the option to consider revoking Djokovic's visa under his personal authority
," his office said in a media statement. "
The minister is currently studying the matter and the process is still ongoing
," he added.
The Federal Court ruled on Monday that Novak Djokovic's visa had to be reinstated because he had not had enough time to prove he had a valid exemption. According to The Age "
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke will make the final decision (...) Federal government sources have also confirmed that they are examining an anomaly in Djokovic's travel report to Australia, namely whether he lied on his entry form when he has declared that he has not traveled during the last 14 days. On the form, Djokovic said he had not traveled in the 14 days before he arrived in Australia on January 6. In fact, Djokovic traveled from Belgrade to Spain during this time.
"
The ATP, which runs the men's tennis circuit, said the case that led to the trial had been "
damaging on all fronts, including for Novak's well-being and his preparation for the Open. Australia
”.
The body recommending "
strongly
" to all players to be vaccinated.