That was it with participation in the Australian Open: The authorities have not allowed tennis star Novak Djokovic to enter. He had received a special permit for unvaccinated players, but apparently presented invalid visas at the airport.
The airport farce about number one in tennis is over. The Serbian Novak Djokovic was not allowed to enter Australia despite an exemption for unvaccinated players. He and his entourage were put back on the plane at Melbourne Airport. This means that he will not take part in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, the Australian Open. Previously, the superstar had been held for hours after the submitted visas were invalid in the opinion of the border protection authorities.
According to the media, the documents did not provide for medical exemptions for unvaccinated people. The therefore contacted authorities of the Australian state of Victoria refused to support the world number one.
A wave of outrage
Even before the 34-year-old arrived in Australia, a wave of indignation had built up in the host country of the first Grand Slam tournament of the season. The exception permission for Djokovic caused “anger and confusion”, as the broadcaster ABC called it. Other comments ranged from “slap in the face for all Australians” to “slap in the face for millions of Australians”. Tournament director Craig Tiley defended the controversial decision, but asked the 20-time Grand Slam winner to give his reasons. Apparently that did not happen.
On Tuesday, after weeks of silence and hesitation, the industry leader announced that it would now fly to Australia thanks to precisely such a special permit. He has not yet made his vaccination status public. Djokovic has already won the Australian Open nine times and wants to compete as the defending champion. If he won, he would leave his rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal behind with Grand Slam triumph number 21.
Interior Minister Karen Andrews also spoke plainly: “Every person who wants to enter Australia has to comply with our strict border regulations,” she stressed. Victoria State Regional Government and Tennis Australia could allow an unvaccinated player to participate in the tournament, but the border rules would be monitored by the national government.
Tournament boss defends Novak Djokovic
These rules are and were strict in times of pandemics. “I don’t care how good he is as a tennis player. If he refuses to be vaccinated, he shouldn’t be let in,” said Victoria celebrity doctor Stephen Parnis. The permit is “a terrifying message” to millions of Australians.
“It is sad for the people of this country who have repeatedly been denied international and interstate travel during this pandemic, even to see their loved ones dying. For those who have been separated from their children or are unable to attend the funeral of a close friend or family member “The Canberra Times wrote,” and concluded: “Unfortunately, the rules are different when you’re a global sports superstar.”
Tournament boss Tiley tried to dispel exactly these allegations. The permit was granted after a strict review by two independent expert bodies. Djokovic made a “completely legitimate application” and went through the necessary process. The reasons for the approval are still unknown.
Source From: Stern
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