'Unvaccinated' Djokovic Denied Entry to Australia... Escalates into Legal Battle

Novak Djokovic Struggles to Victory in Return Match After Two Months

(Paris EPA=Yonhap News) On the 2nd (local time), Novak Djokovic (No.1, Serbia) returned a shot from his opponent Marton Fucsovics (No.40, Hungary) during the second round (Round of 32) of the Rolex Paris Masters men's singles ATP Tour held in Paris, France. Djokovic, who lost to Daniil Medvedev (No.2, Russia) in the US Open men's singles final last September and missed achieving the calendar Grand Slam by winning all four major tournaments in a year, won this tournament's first match after two months with a tough 2-1 victory (6-2, 4-6, 6-3).
knhknh@yna.co.kr
(End)


＜Copyright(c) Yonhap News Agency, Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited＞

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Junhyung] The denial of entry to Australia for Novak Djokovic, the world No. 1 male professional tennis player, has escalated into a legal battle. Djokovic, who was scheduled to participate in the Australian Open tennis tournament on the 17th of this month, was quarantined after being refused entry into Australia due to not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and failing to obtain a 'vaccine exemption' visa.

According to local media on the 7th, the Australian Federal Court accepted Djokovic's side's request for an injunction to prevent the Australian government from immediately deporting him and decided to hold a formal hearing on the 10th. The court issued a temporary order to the federal government prohibiting Djokovic's deportation until 4 p.m. on the 10th. Judge Anthony Kelly stated, "We hope to handle this case swiftly and, if necessary, can hear Djokovic's testimony online," adding, "It is not appropriate for the tennis star to be deported before a ruling is made." Djokovic's legal team reportedly requested the court to deliver a final decision before the opening of the Australian Open.

The Australian government maintains that entrants are required to present proof of vaccination or a valid exemption at the time of arrival. If these conditions are not met, entry cannot be permitted under the regulations. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison commented on the Djokovic situation, saying, "Rules are rules; there can be no special exceptions," and expressed gratitude to the staff involved for performing their duties well.

Supporters clashing with police in front of Novak Djokovic's quarantined accommodation in Australia
(Melbourne AFP=Yonhap News) Tennis star Novak Djokovic (Serbia) is facing off with police guarding the area in front of the hotel where he is quarantined in Melbourne, Australia, on the 6th (local time). Djokovic arrived here on the 5th to participate in the Australian Open tennis tournament opening on the 17th, but was denied entry due to visa issues and decided to stay here until the 10th to pursue legal action. Australia currently mandates COVID-19 vaccination for all entrants, but Djokovic is reported to be unvaccinated. 2022.1.7
knhknh@yna.co.kr
(End)


＜Copyright(c) Yonhap News Agency, unauthorized reproduction and redistribution prohibited＞

About 50 supporters held a protest in front of the Melbourne Park Hotel in Australia, where Djokovic is quarantined. They waved the Serbian flag, Djokovic's home country, and shouted slogans such as "Freedom for Novak" and "Release him." Sinisa, a Serbian-Australian who participated in the protest, said, "I am not here just for Djokovic," adding, "I stand with Djokovic for the freedom of my son and all people."

Australian Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews emphasized that morning, "Djokovic is not detained," and "He is free to leave Australia whenever he wishes." She added, "His visa was approved, but the problem is that he did not meet the secondary requirements necessary for entry into Australia."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.