Australian Open 2022: Novak Djokovic To Take Legal Action After Australia Cancels His Visa

Djokovic's Australian visa was canceled on the grounds of not complying with covid vaccine submission norms. He has now decided to mount a legal challenge against his visa cancellation. 

Image: AFP

The Serbian tennis ace, Novak Djokovic has landed in trouble for his stand on the Covid-19 vaccine. The world no. 1's Australia visa was canceled as he failed to comply with the vaccination rules. 

As per a report in Sydney Morning Herald, Djokovic had to spend eight hours in detention at Melbourne Airport where he unsuccessfully pleaded his case to border officials. Australian Border Force stated that Djokovic did not have appropriate documents and thus, could be asked to leave the country. 

Also Read | Australian Open 2022: 'Anti Vaccine' Novak Djokovic Faces Backlash, Enters Grand Slam With Exemption

"Mr. Djokovic's visa has been cancelled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant," Australian PM Scott Morrison tweeted.

Djokovic has now decided to mount a legal challenge against his visa cancellation. 

 Djokovic had earlier said that he will be heading to the 2022 Australian Open after receiving a 'medical exemption'. "I've spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break and today I'm heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let's go 2022!" the defending Australian Open champion said on Instagram.

Djokovic has previously expressed his opinions on the Covid-19 vaccine. “Personally I am not pro-vaccines," Djokovic was quoted by AFP in April 2020. “I would not like it for someone to compel me to be vaccinated so I can travel," he added.