Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts as he plays against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini during their men’s singles quarter-final tennis match on Day 11 of The Roland Garros 2021 French Open tennis tournament in Paris on June 9, 2021. (AFP/Anne-Christine Poujoulat)
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erbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has been denied entry to Australia after failing to provide appropriate evidence he qualifies for a coronavirus vaccination exemption required as part of the country's entry rules, the Australian Border Force said Thursday.
The men's world No. 1 has been ordered to leave Australia by the end of the day after his visa was canceled in the morning, hours after touching down in Melbourne ahead of the upcoming Australian Open.
The Victorian state government had previously granted Djokovic a medical exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement which allowed him to play in the Grand Slam tournament.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison defended the decision by border authorities, telling reporters in Canberra in the morning the evidence for a medical exemption provided by Djokovic "was found to be insufficient."
Djokovic has not said publicly whether or not he has received a coronavirus vaccine, but is widely believed to be unvaccinated.
There was widespread criticism on social media following reports of Djokovic receiving a medical exemption from the state government, with many doubting its legitimacy and accusing officials of "special treatment" for the star player.
"Entry with a visa requires double vaccination, or a medical exemption. I am advised that such an exemption was not in place, and as a result he is subject to the same rule as anyone else," said Morrison.
The issue threatens to become a diplomatic rift between Serbia and Australia, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reports, as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic vowed to "fight" for Djokovic.
The record nine-time Australian Open winner was looking to win his 21st overall Grand Slam title which would have put him one ahead of Swiss Roger Federer and Spaniard Rafael Nadal, with whom he currently shares the men's record. The Australian Open begins Jan. 17.