Deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, Olympic champion in speed skating Svetlana Zhurova expressed her opinion on the scandal with the Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic, who was not allowed into the country by the Australian border service on January 5 due to an error in obtaining a visa. This was reported on January 7 by the Sport-Express edition.
“It becomes very unpleasant for me when someone starts to show adherence to principles. The Australian government decided to demonstrate in a tough manner at Djokovic that they have no exceptions for anyone, the rules are the same for everyone. If you do not meet our standards, it will be so harsh, ”Zhurova’s words are quoted in the material.
The Australian Open 2022 tournament starts on January 17 in Melbourne, a Serbian athlete was supposed to take part in it. To participate in the competition, the tennis player received an exemption from vaccination against COVID-19 for medical reasons. According to media reports, Djokovic was trying to enter the country on a visa type that cannot be obtained with a medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination. The athlete’s visa was canceled.
“The Australian Tennis Federation needs to think about whether the Australian Open is needed at all now? Shouldn’t it be canceled altogether? Competitions should be held exclusively on a sports basis, and not who has a vaccine is a champion. An absolutely wildest situation. People demonstrate to the whole world that they have no authorities. I hope that this terrible demonstration will end very soon, ”the publication quotes Zhurova as saying.
Now, according to “SE”, the athlete is in immigration isolation. He appealed against the decision of the border services, the court will make a decision on January 10.
On January 5, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison commented on the actions of the country’s border services in relation to the athlete. Morrison said the rules for entering Australia are the same for everyone.
On January 6, the Serbian Foreign Ministry expressed a verbal protest to Australian Ambassador Daniel Emery over the “inappropriate attitude” of the Australian authorities towards Novak Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic is considered one of the best tennis players in the world. The athlete is the first racket in singles.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
