Category: Australian Open

Tennis Player Voracova Has Left Australia After Issues With Temporary Visa, Czech Ministry Says

Czech tennis player Renata Voracova left Australia on Saturday, the Czech Foreign Ministry said, after complications with visas that got her swept up in a furore over the handling of the country’s COVID-19 vaccine exemptions. Voracova joined men’s number one Novak Djokovic in an Australian immigration detention hotel on Thursday, despite already having been allowed into the country…


COVID-Surviving Djokovic Given Vaccine Exemption by Chief Medical Officer of Tennis Australia: Lawyer

Tennis world No.1 Novak Djokovic recovered from COVID-19 before travelling to Australia and met the requirements for a vaccination exemption as relayed to his team by his Australian contacts, his lawyers will argue. The 34-year-old Serb on Sunday remained in immigration detention in Melbourne after having his visa cancelled by Australia’s federal government. His case…


Tennis Needs Djokovic at the Australian Open: Kyrgios

Australian tennis star Nick Kyrgios once said he could not stand Novak Djokovic, describing him as “a tool.” Yet, he has now become one of his old foe’s most unlikely and sympathetic backers, declaring that Djokovic hasn’t been treated humanely and that tennis really needs its world No.1 back at the Australian Open. As Djokovic…


The Djokovic Vaccination Charade

Commentary The announcement that Novak Djokovic, the world’s number one ranked tennis player, had received a medical exemption from compulsory vaccination to enable him to participate in the Australian Open was received in Australia with disbelief. Djokovic himself announced the news on social media on Tuesday, and Australians, including most sports commentators, had reacted disgustedly…


‘Rules Are Rules’: Australia Cancels Novak Djokovic Visa After Denying Entry

The Australian government has cancelled the visa of tennis star Novak Djokovic, who was held at Melbourne airport for over five hours upon arrival on Wednesday night, just days before the Australian Open. The decision comes after Djokovic claimed to have an exemption to compete in the event despite COVID-19 vaccination border entry requirements. Djokovic…


‘Rules Are Rules’: Australia Cancels Novak Djokovic’s Visa After Denying Entry

The Australian government has cancelled the visa of tennis star Novak Djokovic, who was held at Melbourne airport for over five hours upon arrival on Wednesday night, just days before the Australian Open. The decision comes after Djokovic claimed to have an exemption to compete in the event despite COVID-19 vaccination border entry requirements. Djokovic…


Djokovic Stuck at Airport, Awaiting Australian Government Visa Decision

MELBOURNE—Novak Djokovic was left stranded at an Australian airport overnight, caught in a political storm over whether to honor the World No. 1’s medical exemption from vaccine requirements or send him home due to a visa blunder. Djokovic, who is seeking a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam win at the Australian Open, touched down at Melbourne’s…


Novak Djokovic Denied Entry to Australia, Has Visa Canceled

Novak Djokovic was denied entry into Australia and had his visa canceled after arriving in Melbourne late Wednesday to defend his title at the season-opening tennis major. The Australian Border Force issued a statement early Thursday local time saying Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet entry requirements and “has visa has been subsequently…


Djokovic to Miss ATP Cup in Sydney: Serbian Media

World No.1 Novak Djokovic will not travel to Sydney for the men’s season-opening ATP Cup next week, Serbian daily Blic reports. Djokovic was named in Serbia’s team for the ATP Cup, although the 34-year-old has yet to commit to the Australian Open following the COVID-19 vaccination mandate agreed by Tennis Australia and the Victorian Department…


Djokovic Still Coy About Playing in Australian Open

MADRID—Novak Djokovic is still uncertain whether he will take part in the 2022 Australian Open but will soon make a decision, the world number one said after Serbia’s 2–1 defeat by Croatia in the Davis Cup semifinals on Friday. Djokovic, 34, has repeatedly declined to reveal whether he has been vaccinated against COVID-19, with his…