Serbian tennis star’s challenge to immigration minister Alex Hawke’s decision to deport him will be heard by the federal court at 9.30am AEDT. Follow all the day’s news here
- Novak Djokovic visa: Australian minister Alex Hawke says risk of ‘civil unrest’ behind cancellation
- Djokovic’s vaccine stance leaves him short of support from fellow players
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The Australian Open is due to begin tomorrow. It’s not actually clear whether we’ll have a decision from the federal court before then, though it’s certainly open for the judges to hand down judgment immediately.
The Djokovic saga has understandably overshadowed the event’s preparations.
Australians have gone through a lot. There’s no secret about that. They’ve had it very tough. They’ve done a lot of work to protect themselves and their borders. When you’re coming in, as well as every other tennis player, if you wanted to come into the country, you had to be double vaccinated. It was up to him, his choices, his judgment.
It’s just a shitshow. It’s not even about the vaccination any more. I feel so sorry for him.
How we’re dealing with stuff is just so embarrassing. I just think if Australia had dealt with Covid better, I don’t think this would be such a big issue. It’s insane now.
From my point of view, there is a lot of questions that need to be answered. In some ways I think it will be good if everything is clarified soon. Everyone chooses his road. I wish him all the best. I really respect him, even if I do not agree with a lot of things that he did the last couple of weeks.
Given Mr Djokovic’s high-profile status and position as a role model in the sporting and broader community, his ongoing presence in Australia may foster similar disregard for the precautionary requirements following receipt of a positive Covid-19 test in Australia.
In particular, his behaviour may encourage or influence others to emulate his prior conduct and fail to comply with appropriate health measures following a positive Covid-19 test, which itself could lead to the transmission of the disease and serious risk to their health and others.