Australian Open: Novak Djokovic's Visa Cancelled At Airport, Serb Star Threatens Legal Action

After being granted a controversial medical exemption to participate in the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic's visa application was rejected by the Australian government on Thursday. Djokovic, who had been stranded at the airport for eight hours, will be deported soon.

The Australian Border Force in a statement said, "The ABF can confirm that Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled." Reports stated that the visa does not allow for exemptions for unvaccinated applicants.

The Age and Sydney Morning Herald reported that Djokovic's lawyers are preparing to challenge the decision.

Djokovic's father Srdjan told Sputnik, "This is a fight for the liberal world, this is not just a fight for Novak, but a fight for the whole world." Serbian President Aleksander Vucic backed Djokovic saying, "Our authorities are taking all measures to stop the harassment of the best tennis player in the world in the shortest possible period."

Djokovic is unvaccinated against COVID-19. In April 2020, Djokovic said, "Personally I am opposed to vaccination and I wouldn't want to be forced by someone to take a vaccine in order to be able to travel. But if it becomes compulsory, what will happen? I will have to make a decision."