Serbia's president accuses Australia of mistreating Djokovic after he was detained and had his visa revoked
The Australian authorities said today that they had canceled the entry visa for the Serbian star, Novak Djokovic, ranked number one in the world, after he was detained at Melbourne Airport, because he could not meet the strict entry requirements. Djokovic traveled to Melbourne to compete in the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year. "Djokovic failed to provide adequate evidence to meet entry requirements to Australia, and his visa was subsequently revoked," the Australian Border Force said in a statement.
"Non-citizen expatriates who do not hold a valid visa at entry or whose visas have been revoked will be detained and removed from Australia," it added.
"The Australian Border Force will continue to ensure that those who reach our borders comply with our laws and entry requirements," she concluded.
The Serbian president accused Australia of "mistreatment" of Djokovic after Victorian state government officials refused to support a visa application submitted by the Serbian star on his arrival in Melbourne.
President Aleksandar Vucic said on Instagram that he spoke with Djokovic on the phone and informed him that "the whole of Serbia is with him and that the country's authorities are taking all measures to end the abuse of the best tennis player in the world as soon as possible."
"In line with all standards of international public law, Serbia will fight for Novak Djokovic, justice and truth," he added.
"Dioko", who is suspected of having received a vaccine against the Corona virus, arrived in Melbourne a few hours ago, after he celebrated on social media that he had obtained a medical exemption to play in the Australian Championship, which he holds 9 times.
The exemption, granted by Australian Open organizers after his request was approved by two medical committees, has sparked outrage among Australians who have struggled with two years of lockdown and restrictions.
But the Australian Open champion, who arrived at Melbourne airport late on Wednesday, never crossed the line.
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