Novak Djokovic's Australian Visa Cancelled, Unlikely to Play at 2022 Australian Open
The visa he applied for reportedly did not “permit medical exemptions for being unvaccinated for COVID-19.”
The Australian government has effectively cancelled Novak Djokovic‘s visa, possibly killing the nine-time Australian Open champion’s chances of winning his historic 21st Grand Slam title.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison took to Twitter to confirm the news, stating, “Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.”
In order to participate at the Australian Open, players are required to either be fully vaccinated or have medical exemption. Djokovic received medical exemption, however reports state that he was unable to enter the country because he applied for a visa “that does not permit medical exemptions for being unvaccinated for COVID-19.”
Whether or not he will apply for a new visa in order to participate at the Australian Open remains to be seen.
Mr Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant.
— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) January 5, 2022
Elsewhere in sports, Klay Thompson could return to the court on January 9.
