There are growing calls for Australia to be stripped of the Australian Open for the way it treated Novak Djokovic, as the nation’s authorities go on ‘red alert’ over fears of clashes in the stands at the grand slam.
US star Tennis Sandrine and several tennis fans have called for Australia to be stripped of the tournament – Judge Anthony Kelly ruled the government acted ‘unreasonably’ when it tore up Djokovic’s visa at the border last week and then tried to deport him for violating Covid vaccine rules. The tennis star celebrated his reprieve by posting a picture of himself getting back onto the courts with a midnight training session in Melbourne on Twitter – alongside a message thanking the judge.
‘I’m pleased and grateful that the Judge overturned my visa cancellation. Despite all that has happened, I want to stay and try to compete, I remain focused on that. I flew here to play at one of the most important events we have in front of the amazing fans. For now I cannot say more but thank you all for standing with me and encouraging me to stay strong.’
Judge Anthony Kelly ruled border agents had not given Djokovic enough time to put together a defence when at 4am they demanded more documents to support his visa and allowed him just 20 minutes to produce them – as revealed by a transcript of the nearly eight-hour long interview.
Kelly’s ruling freed Djokovic from migrant detention where he has been languishing for the last six days in a ‘torture chamber’ hotel alongside refugees, but does not spell an end to the drama as he still faces being kicked out of the country by immigration minister Alex Hawke who has the power to rip up individual visas.
Mr Hawke declined to use those powers on but insisted he is still actively considering the move, leaving a Sword of Damocles hanging over Djokovic’s head even as he prepares to compete at the Open in a bid to become the most-decorated men’s singles player of all time.
