Djokovic visa saga ‘damaging on all fronts’, says ATP

The controversy over Novak Djokovic’s Australian visa application has been “damaging on all fronts”, the men’s professional tennis tour has said.

The ATP also called for more clarity of the rules to enter Australia and urged players to get vaccinated. Djokovic left an immigration detention hotel on Monday after his visa cancellation was overturned in court.

But Australia’s immigration minister still has powers to re-cancel the visa and deport the unvaccinated player.

“Complications in recent days related to player entry into Australia have… highlighted the need for clearer understanding, communication and application of the rules,” said an ATP statement.

“In travelling to Melbourne, it’s clear Novak Djokovic believed he had been granted a necessary medical exemption in order to comply with entry regulations.

“The series of events leading to Monday’s court hearing have been damaging on all fronts, including for Novak’s well-being and preparation for the Australian Open.”

Immigration minister Alex Hawke is still “thoroughly considering the matter”, an Australian government spokesman said.

Djokovic will have further questions to answer about his Australian travel declaration, which all passengers have to complete three to seven days before arrival.

It states he did not travel in the 14 days before his flight to Australia, but he moved between Serbian capital Belgrade and Spain in that time.

Serbia’s Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke with Australian counterpart Scott Morrison in a call on Monday and emphasised Djokovic’s need for good training conditions, local media reported.

Morrison’s office said in a statement he’d had a “constructive call”. Neither leader commented on whether Djokovic could still be deported.

Following his release, Serbia’s Djokovic, 34, posted a photo of himself and his team – including coach Goran Ivanisevic – on court at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, where he has won a record nine Australian Open men’s singles titles.

This year’s tournament begins on January 17 and if Djokovic wins, he will become the most successful men’s player in history.

The world number one is tied with Switzerland’s Roger Federer and Spain’s Rafael Nadal on 20 Grand Slam singles titles.

Though Djokovic has not spoken publicly about his vaccination status, in his interview with border officials he confirms he is not vaccinated.

He told the interviewer that he tested positive for COVID twice – in June 2020 and on December 16, 2021. Copies of his positive PCR tests were provided to the interviewer – one was issued on December 16, 2021, a day before Djokovic appeared at public events without a mask.

The ATP added: “More broadly, ATP continues to strongly recommend vaccination for all players on the ATP Tour, which we believe is essential for our sport to navigate the pandemic.

“This is based on scientific evidence supporting the health benefits provided and to comply with global travel regulations, which we anticipate will become stricter over time.

“We are encouraged that 97% of the top 100 players are vaccinated leading into this year’s Australian Open.”

Nadal called the build-up to the Australian Open a “circus”.

“Justice has spoken and has said that he [Djokovic] has the right to participate in the Australian Open and I think it is the fairest decision,” Nadal told the Spanish radio station Onda Cero.

Czech player Renata Voracova had her visa cancelled after travelling to Australia.

The Czech government said Voracova entered Australia on a valid exemption. Like Djokovic, she had contracted COVID-19 recently.

The Australian government said on Friday that a recent infection does not mean a foreign national can travel to the country without being fully vaccinated.

“Hopefully he can play. Because that is what we went there for: to play tennis and not be part of any inside games,” said Voracova. (BBC Sport)