‘What more could this man have done?’: Australian judge concerned about Novak Djokovic’s airport interview

The judge, who is hearing a legal challenge on Monday (January 10) by tennis world number one Novak Djokovic regarding his visa cancellation upon arrival in Australia, raised concerns about the player’s treatment after he was detained on arrival. 

Judge Anthony Kelly said it appeared Djokovic had received the required medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination before he travelled to Melbourne for the Australian Open tennis tournament and presented evidence of that when he landed on Wednesday evening.

“The point that I am somewhat agitated about is what more could this man have done?” Kelly said as Djokovic’s lawyers challenged the government’s decision to revoke his visa.

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Amid the controversy related to Djokovic’s visa, the Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison had said, “Well, the matter is before the court, so I’m not going to be making any comment on the matter before the court, and in relation to any other action the government may undertake. I mean that’s purely a matter before the courts at the moment.”

“But in relation to the government, our government, the federal government’s advice to Tennis Australia, that was set out very clearly in November, as I read the extract from this very podium. It could not (have) been more clear,” he added. 

What we know so far

The 34-year-old Djokovic was held at the airport on Wednesday after the authorities revoked a visa granted on the basis of a medical exemption from Australia’s strict vaccination requirements.

 

So far, he has opposed mandatory vaccinations and was widely criticised in 2020 for hosting a tournament as the pandemic was first raging. 

Meanwhile, Djokovic on Friday took to Instagram to thank his supporters. “Thank you to people around the world for your continuous support. I can feel it and it is greatly appreciated,” he wrote.

The Australian Open begins on January 17. The Serbian player look to defend his Aus Open title and also bid to win an unprecedented 21st Grand Slam.  

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