Another turn at Djokovic?

Blitz Hearing Scheduled - Visa Cancellation Will Be Negotiated

Created: 01/14/2022 11:04 am

Novak Djokovic is keen to compete at the Australian Open - despite not being vaccinated.

© William West/AFP

Australia has canceled Novak Djokovic's visa.

But now a short-term hearing has been scheduled in which the case will be discussed.

Melbourne/Munich - Is there another turnaround in the Novak Djokovic case?

The tennis star's visa has again been withdrawn by the Australian authorities, as Immigration Minister Alex Hawke announced on Friday.

But for 8.45 p.m. local time (10.45 a.m. CET) a hearing in court in Melbourne was scheduled at short notice.

This was announced by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia via Twitter.

Djokovic faces a three-year travel ban to Australia

If the Serbian tennis star's appeal fails, he will have to leave the country and will not be able to defend his title at the Australian Open, which begins on Monday.

Djokovic also faces a three-year entry ban to Australia.

Hawke exercised his personal rights as Immigration Secretary in the decision.

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

Prime Minister Scott Morrison also defended the decision.

"Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic and they have a right to expect the outcome of those sacrifices to be protected," he said. "That is what the Minister is doing with his action today."

Djokovic took part in an interview in Serbia despite a positive corona test

Djokovic recorded a partial success on Monday: The unvaccinated world number one had his visa back after a partial success in court and was able to leave the accommodation for those obliged to leave the country, where he initially had to stay after arriving last Wednesday due to non-compliance with the pandemic entry requirements.

Since then, the Australian government has considered further steps.

Djokovic admitted on Wednesday that he took part in an interview in Serbia in December despite knowing that the corona test was positive.

The tennis star also had to admit an "unintentional" misrepresentation on the entry form.