The world’s No 1. tennis player, Novak Djokovic, is now back in Serbia following his turbulent deportation from Australia, which took him out of the Australian Open.
According to CBS sports, the 34-year-old tennis star had high hopes for the Australian Open as he was projected to win. However, because he “listed inaccurate information in his travel declaration form,” he was no longer allowed to stay in the country.
Djokovic was also not vaccinated for COVID-19 and he failed to acquire the proper medical exemption. When information contradicted his explanation of his whereabouts 14 days prior to him entering the country, Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke canceled Djokovic’s visa.
Djokovic tried to fight the ruling and after his lawyers tried to appeal the visa cancellation, it went onto a three-judge panel that unanimously declared his presence “may be counterproductive to efforts at vaccination by others in Australia.”
The reason for the heightened concern and extreme measures is because in the past month Australia has seen a massive spike in COVID cases.
However, this pushback continues.. According to CNN, “The Serbian Olympic Committee said it was ‘very disappointed’ over Australia’s ‘scandalous decision’ to deport Djokovic, adding that a ‘huge injustice’ had been committed.”
They celebrated Djokovic’s return to Belgrade on Monday with crowds “chanting his name and holding banners and flags in support,” said CNN.
Djokovic will remain there for the next few months and will not be allowed back into Australia for the next three years. His next chance at a Gram Slam title is the French Open this May, but should he remain unvaccinated his chances of attending are slim due to the strict French rules.