Novak Djokovic’s visa deportation hearing in Australia begins Monday, eventually determining if he can stay in the country and play in the Australian Open after his COVID-19 vaccine dispute.
In Serbia on Saturday, Djokovic’s family held a rally in support of him in Belgrade for the third successive day, and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic assured him of her government's support over his visa battle to ensure he can enter Australia and defend his Australian Open title. The tournament begins Jan. 17 — just a week from his court date.
In Djokovic's perfect world, he would have been eating food cooked by that personal chef, worked out at a gym and trained every day on-court since his arrival, mingling with his support group and friends along the way. It would have been valid to enter the tournament, but it wasn't enough to satisfy the Australian Border Force.
Djokovic attended a Dec. 17 event in Belgrade honoring young tennis players. The event was covered by local media, and parents posted photos on social media showing Djokovic and the children not wearing masks. It's not clear if Djokovic knew the results of his test at the time. Djokovic's plight has prompted claims from Serbia that Djokovic is being treated like a prisoner. The player himself appears to have become a standard-bearer for anti-vaccine groups, including some people who've gathered outside for support outside his immigration hotel.
Tournament director Craig Tiley has continued working in the background with Djokovic, or so it seems.Tiley’s video message to Australian Open staff about the tournament's "difficult time in the public arena" was published in News Corp. newspapers Saturday.
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