Former Australia spinner Shane Warne has taken a dig at the defending Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic after the World No. 1 failed to provide correct evidences to get a vaccine exemption to enter Australia. Warne opined by stating that the Australian government has all rights for deportation and can throw Djokovic out of the country and subsequently of the Australian Open.
The first major tennis event of the year is already in news for Djokovic's vaccination status, after the Serbian was initially given exemption.
‘Throw him out’
"Novak is a great tennis player & one of the all time greats. No doubt. But he's lied on entry forms, been out in public when he knew he had covid & is now facing legal cases. He's entitled to not be jabbed but Oz is entitled to throw him out ! Agree ? #shambles," the legendary spinner tweeted.
The world No. 1, was investigated on his entry last Wednesday (January 5). But he failed to produce the vaccination certification and lied on the forms, as per reports from Australian media. His Visa was canceled and Djokovic faced deportation before a string of legal battles saw him given the visa back.
The 20-time major champion was contracted with Covid-19 back in December and needed the necessary vaccine jab to enter Australia. However, he refused to get vaccinated and was likely to miss the Australian Open.
Djokovic was also seen having a photoshoot in December, in order to fulfill a long-standing commitment, despite having been tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. The incident took place at his tennis center, in the Serbian capital of Belgrade.
Visa cancelled for second time
On Friday (January 14), Australia decided to cancel the Serbian tennis player’s visa again, for the second time.
"Today I exercised my power... to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so," the Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said in a statement.
The Australian Open is due to start on Monday (January 17) with all eyes now firmly on whether the defending champion will return or not. If he does return, it will be interesting to see how he is greeted by the Australian crowd in Melbourne.
