Unvaccinated tennis star has hope |
Is Australia’s entry ban for Djokovic shaking?
Can he come in this time?
According to an expert, tennis giant Novak Djokovic (35) could have a good chance of participating in the Australian Open despite his entry ban!
Immigration lawyer Kon-ming Tsai zur said to the AP news agency: “There is no risk factor in letting him enter again.” In his opinion, an entry of the 21-time Grand Slam winner is “in Australia’s best interest”: will not pose a problem for the community. He is one of the best tennis players in the world and will be able to attract a lot of foreign visitors.”
Tsai said Djokovic has a good chance of success if he applies for an entry visa. All he would have to do is write to the Australian border authorities, explaining his extraordinary circumstances and asking for the re-entry ban to be lifted. According to the Australian Border Protection Agency, an entry ban can be lifted under certain circumstances, and each case will be examined individually.
Djokovic wants to start at the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne next January, as tournament director Craig Tiley announced on Wednesday. It is up to the Serb himself to clarify “the situation” with the government.
Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against Covid-19, had to leave Australia after entering the Australian Open in January of this year after a legal dispute. In addition, he was given a three-year entry ban for the country!
Criticism of possible special treatment for the nine-time tournament winner came from opposition politician Karen Andrews, who was Djokovic’s interior minister at the time of his deportation.
Andrews on Australian radio station ABC: “It would be a slap in the face for the people of Australia if Novak Djokovic was suddenly allowed back into the country just because he is a high-ranking tennis player.”
In addition to the Australian Open, Djokovic also missed the US Open in August this year because he was not allowed to enter the USA without being vaccinated. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, will take place in Melbourne from January 16th to 29th.
