Djokovic investigated by Australian Border Force – latest news
Novak Djokovic wins appeal against deportation from Australia
Novak Djokovic is free to enter Australia after winning his fight with the nation’s government over his visa – for now, at least. Minister for Immigration Alex Hawke is still considering the possibility of “a personal power of cancellation”, a move which could yet drag on for several days as the Serbian star looks to prepare to compete for the Australian Open.
Both of his parents have been outspoken during the course of the appeal, with his father claiming victory for human rights and free speech in “a young man from a small, poor country” defeating “big, powerful people” in the courts. Djokovic’s mother, meanwhile, compared his treatment to being “subjected to torture, to harassment”.
However, none of his family opted to answer questions surrounding the tennis star’s positive Covid result from December, ending a press conference when the matter arose on Monday. Court documents show Djokovic testing positive on 16 December, but the following day he was apparently photographed in public settings without a mask and with children in attendance. Follow all the latest news and reaction from Djokovic’s hearing below.
Question over event Djokovic attended
Djokovic says he tested positive on 16 December and has documental proof to back up his claim. However, once this became public knowledge many pointed out he attended an event on 17 December and didn’t where a mask.
He was also pictured with young fans at the event and many want to know if he was aware he was positive at the time. When his family was asked about it on Monday at their press conference they refused to answer the question.
Djokovic is yet to answer questions on the event.
Sarah Rendell11 January 2022 12:00
Djokovic to face more questions
As part of his entry to Australia, Djokovic said he had not travelled anywhere prior to heading to the country.
However, footage appears to show Djokovic practicing at a training camp in the south of Spain on December 31, which would throw into question Djokovic’s claim that he did not travel prior to flying to Australia on 4 January.
On his ATD form, which was presented in court by Djokovic’s legal team, the answer ‘No’ was selected under the question: “Have you travelled, or will you travel, in the 14 days prior to your flight to Australia?”
Under the question there is a note which states: “Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence. You may also be liable to a civil penalty for giving false or misleading information.”
Sarah Rendell11 January 2022 11:50
Stakhovsky rubbishes “uncomfortable” rumours
Ukranian tennis star Sergiy Stakhovsky has rubbished suggestions it was “uncomfortable” when Djokovic went to a gym with other players present.
Reports suggested earlier today Djokovic’s colleagues stared at him while he continued to prepare for the Australian Open. But Stakhovsky has said this wasn’t the case.
He tweeted; “Total bs .. was warming up for my match in the same gym. Find better gossipers.”
Sarah Rendell11 January 2022 11:40