Novak Djokovic's Involvement In Australian Open Doubtful After Visa Gets Canceled Again
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic’s participation in the Australian Open is still shrouded in uncertainty after the country decided to cancel his visa once again.
Immigration minister Alex Hawke announced the decision at around 6 p.m. local time Friday, leaving Djokovic with limited options to compete in the tournament, ABC News reports.
“Today I exercised my power under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act to cancel the visa held by Mr. Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds,” Hawke said in a statement Friday.
The decision comes after an Australian court declared Djokovic’s visa to be valid, meaning he was eligible for release from detention. The Australian government still canceled his visa, however, “on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so.”
Djokovic has been vocal in his skepticism regarding the COVID-19 vaccines, saying in the past that he wants "an option to choose what's best for my body." the BBC reports.
Djokovic is looking to get his 21st Grand Slam title, a record-breaking achievement. The Australian Open will commence on Monday.
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