Novak Djokovic, who had had his visa canceled on his arrival in Melbourne on January 5, before being placed in a detention center, had obtained from a judge that he restore his visa and order his immediate release on January 10.
The world No. 1 had been able to take part in training sessions on the Rod Laver Arena and appeared well this Thursday at the top of the table of the Australian Open which will start on Monday.
To discover
Australian Open: men's schedule and results
Australian Open: ladies schedule and results
Alex Hawke, the Minister of Immigration, on Friday issued a press release announcing the cancellation, for the second time, of the Australian visa of the world No. 1.
A decision taken "
on health and public order bases
", he said in a statement, saying he was "
firmly committed to protecting Australia's borders, especially in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic
".
LiveVisa canceled again, risk of inadmissibility to Australia: the vice is seriously tightening around Djokovic
The Minister of Immigration relied on section 133C(3). This section states that the Minister for Immigration has the power to cancel a person's visa if he or she considers that person to be "
a risk to the health and safety of the people of Australia, part of the Australian population
" and even "
for the health and safety of one or more persons
".
'
This is the latest twist in a bizarre and deadly saga that has seen the world number one detained alongside asylum seekers at Melbourne's notorious immigration hall, sparked street protests , investigations and appeals between world leaders (and, briefly, failed Federal Court live streams).
This time around, the minister's intervention means Djokovic could be forced to leave the country shortly and face a three-year entry ban.
But he is expected to return to the fight in court
, ”writes
The Age
while waiting for the sequel to the Djokovic soap opera.