Australia revokes Novak Djokovic’s visa for the second time, leaving Australian Open in doubt

Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used his decision on Friday to cancel visa of Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic to play at the Australian Open, the latest twist in a story that already includes a first visa refusal by another federal agency, Djokovic’s detention in an immigrant hotel, a court, and the later acceptance of the Serbs, he made a mistake in his visa application.

Hawke said he canceled Djokovic’s visa a second time citing “good health and condition, on the basis that it was in the public interest”, because Djokovic refused to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Djokovic, 34, is likely to ask an Australian court to again overturn the government’s decision, but the Australian Open starts next week and it will be difficult to get a judge to intervene by the end of the week. , Melbourne immigration attorney Kian Bone tells Related press. “For Djokovic to get the results he needs to play will be extremely difficult over the weekend,” said Bone. “I think from a strategic point of view, he (Hawke) really makes it difficult for Djokovic’s legal team, in terms of options or remedies that he might be able to achieve.”

Djokovic, the number one male tennis player in the world today, is hoping to set the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in men. If Hawke’s decision is upheld, Djokovic will be banned from competing in Australia for three years.