Novak Djokovic Deported from Australia
By: Collin Hunnicutt
Headed to Australia for the Australian Open, the current number one ranked male tennis player, Novak Djokovic, had his visa canceled as Djokovic breached Australian traveling protocols as he is unvaccinated. On Sunday, November 16, Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia.
When entering the country, Djokovic believed he had a valid medical exemption as he had recently recovered from COVID-19 and therefore should be exempt from needing the vaccine. When entering the country his medical exemption was ruled invalid and he was unable to stay in the country.
The visa was canceled by Alex Hawke, Australia’s immigration minister. As reported by The Guardian, Hawke cancelled the visa on the grounds that “Djokovic’s presence in Australia might risk civil unrest as he is a “talisman of anti-vaccination sentiment.” The Australian government fears that allowing Novak Djokovic to enter the country unvaccinated would cause unwanted reactions from those against the vaccination in the country.
This was a major setback for Djokovic as he was on a path to his tenth Australian Open victory and a record of 21 grand slams.
Djokovic and his legal team are considering taking legal action. The lawsuit would be for an estimated $4.4 million, including the $2.75 million tournament prize he was expected to win.
Junior Luci Overmyer said, “The Australian government felt it was the best decision for its people. When it comes down to it, it is their decision.”
This may not be the only drawback for Djokovic. If he remains unvaccinated, Djokovic will be unable to compete in the French Open and possibly the Madrid Open.
This has been a highly debated subject as many people hold different opinions on how Djokovic’s situation should have been handled. Supporters of the tennis star believe he was treated unfairly because he was previously permitted entry by a medical exemption. Others think that there should be no exception to the rules of vaccination. It is a difficult situation to say what answer is the correct one that will be a hot topic for a long period of time.
