Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic is back in detention in Australia. Serbian’s chances of playing in the Australian Open still remains unclear after the ongoing legal matter moved to a higher court on Saturday (January 15) as the top-ranked tennis player appealed the second cancellation of his visa.
Another hearing was scheduled for Sunday (January 16) morning.
Official draw delayed
Earlier, the official draw of the Australian Open was delayed as it was not clear whether the Serbian tennis player would be able to feature in the Australian Open.
Previously, Djokovic issued an official statement regarding the incidents that had taken place since he arrived in Australia. 4
“I want to address the continuing misinformation about my activities and attendance at events in December in the lead up to my positive PCR COVID test result.
“This is misinformation which needs to be corrected, particularly in the interest of alleviating broader concern in the community about my presence in Australia, and to address matters which are very hurtful and concerning to my family,” Djokovic said in an official statement.
Mistake in travel declaration
Djokovic had also acknowledged that his travel declaration was not correct and there was a “human error” which further caused an administrative mistake.
“On the issue of my travel declaration, this was submitted by my support team on my behalf – as I told immigration officials on my arrival - and my agent sincerely apologises for the administrative mistake in ticking the incorrect box about my previous travel before coming to Australia. This was a human error and certainly in a global pandemic and sometimes these mistakes can occur. Today, my team has provided additional information to the Australian Government to clarify this matter."
Tennis players like Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal recently spoke on the matter.
“It's not a good situation for anyone,” said Andy Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion.
"It just seems like it's dragged on for quite a long time now.”
On the other hand, according to the Spaniard, he is little “tired” of the situation.
"Honestly, I'm little bit tired of the situation because I just believe that it's important to talk about our sport, about tennis," Nadal said.
The defending champion will start his Australian Open journey against Miomir Kecmanovi in the first round of the Open.
