However, the unvaccinated world No 1 could still face deportation as Australia’s immigration minister considers steps to remove the tennis player from the country.
Djokovic has come up with an opportunity to differentiate himself from longtime rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at this year’s Australian Open in the race to be considered the greatest player of all time.
All three are currently on 20 Grand Slam titles and Federer is not competing this year due to knee surgery and with Nadal still back in form after a period of time with an injury, Djokovic will be the heavy favorite to win the title in 2022 .
Russian Daniil Medvedev – Djokovic’s winner in last year’s US Open final – is seeded second, with Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev seeded third, fourth and fifth respectively.
‘Loss on all fronts’
The ATP Tour joins Djokovic’s test for the first time since the 34-year-old was detained by the Australian government last Wednesday.
According to a statement from the association on Monday, the men’s professional tennis tour called Djokovic’s visa hearing on Monday “harmful on all fronts” – including the well-being of the athlete.
The ATP Tour strongly recommended vaccination for all players on the ATP Tour, calling it “essential to our sport to navigate the pandemic”. It added that 97% of the top 100 players at this year’s Australian Open have been vaccinated.
“The ATP fully respects the sacrifices that the people of Australia have made since the onset of COVID-19 and implemented stringent immigration policies,” the statement said.
“In recent times the complexities related to player entry into Australia have highlighted the need for clear understanding, communication and application of the rules.
“At a visit to Melbourne, it is clear that Novak Djokovic believed he was granted a necessary medical exemption to comply with the entry rules. The chain of events for Monday’s court hearing, including Novak’s well-being It has been damaging on all fronts and preparation for the Australian Open.”
travel announcement check
Meanwhile, the Australian Border Force (ABF) is investigating whether Djokovic submitted a false travel declaration prior to his arrival in Australia, a source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN.
Djokovic announced that he had not traveled and would not do so in 14 days to arrive in Australia on Wednesday, 5 January, to be presented as evidence to a court to determine whether he would be allowed to remain in Australia. According to a travel announcement.
Various photos taken during that two-week period show Djokovic in both Spain and Serbia.
While court documents show Tennis Australia filled out the travel declaration on Djokovic’s behalf, the information used was provided by Djokovic, an ABF official at Melbourne airport, on 5 January.
According to the Australian Home Office website, submitting a false travel declaration carries a maximum sentence of 12 months in prison.
Djokovic’s media team has not responded to CNN’s requests for comment.
The ABF investigation comes as Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke considers whether to exercise his personal power to revoke Djokovic’s reinstated visa.
,