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Djokovic free in Australia but deportation threat still looms -Breaking

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© Reuters. Outside the Park Hotel where Novak Djokovic is thought to be staying while in Australia in Melbourne on January 7, 2022, a supporter of the Serbian tennis player rallies. REUTERS/Loren Elliott

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MELBOURNE (Reuters – Novak Djokovic woke on Tuesday to his first day outside of immigration detention in Australia almost a week following his arrival into Australia. The incident sparked international controversy over Djokovic’s COVID-19 vaccine status.

But, the danger of the Federal Government detaining the World Number One for another time, and then deporting him remains, despite Monday’s Court ruling that quashed the previous government decision to cancel the visa.

Djokovic, who was back at training following his victory in the court challenge, thanked the judge for freeing him from immigration custody and stated that he still wanted to win an Australian Open record 21st-ranked tennis major.

Djokovic posted on Twitter (NYSE 🙂 that he was happy to have his visa cancelled by a judge. He also shared a picture of himself at Melbourne Park Court after a hectic few days. “Despite everything that’s happened, I still want to be there and compete at the Australian Open.”

Djokovic’s woes attracted attention from the international media, causing a spat between Canberra (Belgrade) and igniting heated discussions over COVID-19 mandatory vaccination policies.

John Alexander is a Liberal Party member and an ex-professional tennis player. He said that it was a mistake for Alex Hawke, Immigration Minister, to use his discretionary power to remove the Serbian player.

Alexander stated that doing so would “diminish the Australian Open’s status”.

He stated that he had been “the poor cousin of all four events” in the past. We have a lot to offer, but it is important that we treat this opportunity with care.

Hawke’s office stated late Monday that the minister is still considering whether or not he will use his discretion under Migration Act to cancel Djokovic’s second visa. The minister’s spokespersons did not return phone calls on Tuesday seeking comments.

The governing body for men’s tennis, the ATP, applauded Novak’s decision and said it was damaging on “all fronts”, including Novak’s health and preparations for the Australian Open.

Although the ATP supports Australia’s rigorous vaccination requirements, the ATP stated that it was not opposed to them. However, the situation highlights the importance of clearer communication and understanding the rules. The ATP stated that it recommends everyone get vaccinated. It also noted that 97% out of 100 top players had been vaccinated.

COURT RULE

Anthony Kelly, the Judge, said that Djokovic was not allowed to enter because he had not given him enough time.

Kelly claimed that Djokovic had been detained at Melbourne airport when he landed on Wednesday late. Kelly explained that the officials had violated an agreement giving Djokovic until 8:30 am to speak with Tennis Australia lawyers and Tennis Australia.

Djokovic has been a strong opponent of mandatory vaccination. According to transcripts, he told border officials that he had not been vaccinated, and had already contracted COVID-19 two times.

Kelly stated to the court that Djokovic was eligible for medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccine because he had been infected last month and presented proof of this infection upon arrival and before he traveled.

Kelly’s ruling didn’t directly address whether Kelly exempted an infected person from the law for six months. This was something that the government had challenged.

AUSTRALIAN OPEN

On January 17, the Australian Open will begin. Djokovic won the tournament three times over the past year, and it has been won nine more times.

Rafa Naddal from Spain is tied with Djokovic on 20 majors and Roger Federer of Switzerland. He said that it was a circus and the final decision was made.

Pam Shriver, a former American football player and pundit, warned that the scandal may not end.

Australia is currently fighting an Omicron wave infection and more than 90% are double-vaccinated. Public opinion has been strongly against the player.

Melbourne is the home of the Open and has faced a lot of resistance after it was subject to the longest continuous lockdown in history.

Keith Moore, a Melbourne resident said that despite having to undergo lengthy vaccination protocols and lockdowns, he swam in and does whatever he wants because he is the best tennis player on earth.

Daniel Andrews, the premier of Victoria, gave Djokovic an initial exemption. However, the federal government had to make that decision.

Andrews’ Victoria-leaning government, and Scott Morrison’s Conservative administration have been pointing fingers over the responsibility of this saga.

Australia’s federal system allows states and territories to grant exemptions from the requirement for vaccinations in order to allow people into their territory. But, international borders are under the control of the federal government and such exemptions can be challenged by it.

Andrews explained that “the issue of who enters the country and what their vaccination status is though, is not an issue for state governments.” I don’t issue visas. The Commonwealth government does.”

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