Djokovic faces return to detention as Australia cancels visa

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - Novak Djokovic was expected to be detained in Australia again Saturday, after authorities ripped up his visa for a second time and declared the unvaccinated tennis superstar a threat to the public.

Just two days before the Australian Open begins, the world number one is again fighting detention and deportation -- the latest twist in a high-profile row over his Covid-19 vaccine status.

Djokovic was summoned to appear before immigration officials in Melbourne ahead of emergency court hearings on Saturday and Sunday.

He was expected to be detained, but will be allowed to follow court proceedings from his lawyers' offices under guard of two Australian Border Force officers.

This is the second attempt by Australia's conservative government to deport Djokovic, one of the world's most high-profile Covid-19 vaccine sceptics.

The 34-year-old Serbian used a medical exemption to enter Australia earlier this month, hoping to challenge for a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Open.

Amid public outcry, Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government revoked Djokovic's visa on arrival.

Many Australians -- who have suffered prolonged lockdowns and border restrictions -- believe Djokovic gamed the system to dodge vaccine entry requirements.

But the government was humiliated when a judge reinstated Djokovic's visa and allowed him to remain in the country.

This time, the government has invoked exceptional -- and difficult to challenge -- executive powers to declare him a threat to public health and safety.

Government lawyers are expected to argue that Djokovic's presence stirs anti-vaccine sentiment in Australia amid a tidal wave of Omicron infections.

They are also expected to say Djokovic would not comply with Covid-19 regulations, posing a risk to public health.

HEALTH AND GOOD ORDER

The tennis ace contracted Covid-19 in mid-December and, according to his own account, failed to isolate despite knowing he was positive.

Public records show he attended a stamp unveiling, youth tennis event and granted a media interview around the time he got tested and his infection was confirmed.

In a statement, immigration minister Alex Hawke said the government was "firmly committed to protecting Australia's borders, particularly in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic", citing "health and good order grounds" for the decision to cancel Djokovic's visa once again.

Hawke said "it was in the public interest to do so".

The government has agreed not to deport Djokovic until the hearing is over, barrister Stephen Lloyd told an emergency late-night federal court session Friday.

Djokovic is the Australian Open's top seed and a nine-time winner of the tournament. He had been practising just hours before Hawke's decision was announced.

It is unclear if Djokovic will choose to stay and fight the case if he believes he is unable to compete in the Australian Open.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Friday accused Australia of "mistreating" the country's biggest star, and a national hero.

"If you wanted to ban Novak Djokovic from winning the 10th trophy in Melbourne why didn't you return him immediately, why didn't you tell him 'it is impossible to obtain a visa'?" Vucic said on Instagram.

"Novak, we stand by you!"

IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST

Prime Minister Scott Morrison backed the decision, saying: "Australians have made many sacrifices during this pandemic, and they rightly expect the result of those sacrifices to be protected." The visa cancellation effectively means Djokovic would be barred from obtaining a new Australian visa for three years, except under exceptional circumstances, ruling him out of one of the four Grand Slam tournaments during that time.

He is currently tied with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal with 20 Grand Slam titles each.

Former world number one Andy Murray, who will play at the Open, said Friday he hoped Djokovic's status would be cleared up.

"It just seems like it's dragged on for quite a long time now and (it's) not great for the tennis, not great for the Australian Open, not great for Novak," Murray said.

Other players, including world number four Stefanos Tsitsipas, have criticised Djokovic.

"For sure he has been playing by his own rules," Tsitsipas told Indian broadcaster WION on Thursday. - AFP