Novak Djokovic was denied entry to Australia on Thursday and his visa was cancelled. He had failed to comply with Covid-19 vaccine rules.

Djokovic, who is ranked number one in the world, announced via social media Tuesday that “exemption permission” had been granted and arrived in Australia on Wednesday. He was granted a medical exemption in Victoria by the state government. It was intended to protect him against the tight vaccination restrictions that were in effect for this year’s first major tennis tournament.

The exemption was not accepted by border officials. Djokovic did not meet the entry requirements, as stated by the Australian Border Force.

Scott Morrison, Prime Minister of Canada said that the rule was very clear at a Thursday news conference. You need to be granted a medical exemption. The medical exemption was invalid. The border is where we make the call, so it will be enforced.”

Greg Hunt, the Health Minister said the Visa cancellation was the result after a border official reviewed Djokovics medical exemption and looked at the “integrity” of the case.

Djokovic stated that he could appeal the decision. However, he said, “but if visas are canceled or revoked, somebody will have leave the country.”

Djokovic’s president in Serbia, a native of Serbia, blasted Djokovic for his “harassment”, and was held overnight at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. To find out whether he was allowed to enter the country, the 20-time major winner of the game had to wait eight hours at the airport. In the meantime, arrangements were made for an Australian flight or legal action. He was eventually moved to a hotel.

Morrison announced the cancellation via Twitter: “No one can ignore these rules.” Australia has one of the highest death rates from COVID in the world because of its strong border policy. We will continue to monitor this situation.

Morrison replied later to questions regarding confusion about federal and state requirements.

Although Djokovic wasn’t mentioned by the Prime Minister, he did acknowledge that Djokovic may be the one being singled out.

He said, “One of their main functions is to use intelligence to guide their attention towards potential arrivals.” They draw attention when people make public statements about the things they claim they have and what they plan to do.

That is anyone who “no matter if they’re famous, a politician, or a player of tennis. . . You can expect them to ask more questions than the others.

These medical exemptions were vetted and approved by two separate panels of specialists. They are based on anonymized information from players.

In the past, he has been vocal against vaccinations and has refused to admit that he has received shots against coronavirus.

Srdjan, his father, said to the B92 Internet portal that the son was being held at the airport in a “room which no one can access” and guarded with two officers.

Aleksandar Vucic (Serbian President) stated on Instagram, that he had spoken to Djokovic during his detention at the airport. He stated that Serbian authorities are taking steps to “end harassment of the top tennis player in world” in the shortest amount of time.

Djokovic’s announcement on social media about his plans to visit Australia in search of a record 21st-major title quickly became a political issue. Many Australians are furious that Djokovic has been granted an exemption from entering the country. Critics raised questions about the grounds for Djokovic’s exemption. Backers, however, argued that he is entitled to privacy and free choice.

Craig Tiley, the director of Australian Open Tournaments, said that Djokovic was entitled to a fair and legal application.

Victoria’s government mandates that players and staff must be fully vaccinated before they can access Melbourne Park. The tournament starts Jan. 17.

Tiley stated that only 26 individuals were involved in the tournament and applied for medical exemptions. No one has been able to identify any of the players.

One exception is made for serious medical conditions and severe adverse reactions to previous Covid-19 vaccinations.

After playing in an exhibition match he had organized in Serbia, Croatia and without any social distancing during the pandemic, Djokovic was tested positive for coronavirus.

On Wednesday, concerns about Djokovic’s visa status began to build.

Morrison stated that the decision to allow medical exemption was initially a matter for Victoria’s government, as Melbourne is its capital.

Karen Andrews from the Home Affairs Ministry clarified the border process.

Andrews stated that while Tennis Australia and the Victorian government may allow a player not vaccinated to participate in the Australian Open tournament, the Commonwealth government will be enforcing our rules at the Australian border. To be eligible for the same travel arrangements as full-vaccinated travellers, an individual arriving without a vaccination certificate must show acceptable evidence that they are not being vaccinated.

Morrison responded to questions about Djokovic’s case on Wednesday: “If the evidence isn’t sufficient, he won’t receive any treatment any differently than anybody else and he’ll board the next airplane home.”