Australia Immigration Minister cancels Novak Djokovic’s visa again
The federal government’s counsel said that ministerial powers could be invoked to cancel Djokovic’s visa.
Melbourne: As the Australian Open 2022 grand slam is to begin next Monday, Australia's Immigration Minister Alex Hawke cancelled top-seeded tennis player Novak Djokovic’s visa on Friday
Djokovic’s lawyers prepare to file an immediate injunction against the decision. If the world number 1 player fails to successfully challenge the minister's decision, he will be immediately deported from the country.
Nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic was included in the official draw for the Australian Open on Thursday. He would begin his title defence against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round of the year’s opening grand slam tournament. The confirmation came despite uncertainty over whether the government will cancel his visa for a second time.
Early this week, Australia’s Federal Circuit Court had quashed the government’s decision to cancel the world number one tennis player's visa. The court ordered the release of Djokovic from immigration detention immediately.
However, the federal government’s counsel said that ministerial powers could be invoked to cancel Djokovic’s visa, according to The Guardian. That would mean Djokovic, 34, could again face deportation and could miss the Australian Open, which starts on January 17.
