Two days before the Australian Championships, the Novak Djokovic bag entered its final stage.
The Serbian tennis player was arrested again this morning (Saturday) by the Australian authorities after his visa was revoked following an order issued by Alex Hawke, the Australian Government's immigration minister whose decision was based on reasons of "health and public order".
And was returned to the isolated hotel.
Until the final decision on his deportation, which will be decided at a hearing scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Sunday in Melbourne, the No. 1 tennis player will remain in the same hotel he was in after his first arrest on arrival in Australia.
4:45 Gets protection
In contrast to Stefanos Tsitsipas and former player Martina Navratilova, German Alexander Zebrav defended Djokovic at the press conference before the start of the Australian Open: "It is not fair to come here and not be able to play in the tournament. He had a valid visa. Wrong? I doubt he is. "He went to try his luck without promises that he would play in the tournament. He is a star, if it were not for him, all this drama would not have been created," he said.
9:15 Small victory for Djokovic's lawyers
Djokovic's lawyers were able to bring the case to a federal court hearing - consisting of three people - instead of just the president of the chamber.
8:45 Nadal: "No one is above the Australian Championships"
At his pre-tournament press conference, Rafael Nadal again referred to the Djokovic case: "It is very clear that Novak is one of the best players in history, without a doubt. But there is no player in history who is more important than an event because the players stay and then they leave, and others come. "Roger, Novak or I. The Australian Open is far more important than any player. If he does not play in the Australian Open, it's going to be a big Australian Championship with or without him."
Asked Nadal about #AusOpen with or without Djokovic, and he had a very forceful response.
pic.twitter.com/JpAMs6LsMG
- Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 15, 2022
8:30 Demonstration of support for Serbs
Some 200 anti-vaccination protesters lined up outside Rod Laver Stadium chanting "Release Novak Djokovic" and slogans against the vaccination.
8:15 Minister of Immigration in the attack
Australian Immigration Minister in attack on Novak Djokovic.
In a summary he presented to justify the withdrawal of the visa, he said: "Its profile and high status can be interpreted as a model for harmful imitation in the sporting community and beyond. It will foster disregard for necessary requirements in the fight against the corona."
Djokovic in Australia.
It was already sure it was over, Photo: EPA,
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