January 06, (THEWILL) – Novak Djokovic’s father, Srdjan Djokovic, claims that the 20-time Grand Slam champion is being held “captive” by Australian officials.
Since arriving in Australia on Wednesday, January 5, Djokovic has been inside Melbourne Airport, apparently in a room without members of his entourage and without a phone.
Officials are questioning Djokovic after a member of his squad entered the country with the incorrect visa. The visa application does not allow for a medical exemption, such as the one that allowed the Serbian to compete in the Australian Open without being vaccinated.
The older Djokovic, who is still in Europe, has hinted that if the world number one is not released, there may be protests.
“I have no idea what is going on,” Srdjan told Serbian media. “They have been holding my son captive for five hours. If they don’t let him go in half an hour, we will gather on the street.
“This is a fight for everyone.”
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, Djokovic’s coach, took an Instagram shot from the airport several hours after the group landed, captioning it, “Not the most usual trip Down Under.”
Due to rigorous border control requirements in the state of Victoria, all players and personnel at the Australian Open must be vaccinated or have an exemption granted.
Officials from the Victorian state government have stated that they will not formally support Djokovic’s visa application, and it is unclear why the Serbian, who is the defending champion at tennis’ first Grand Slam, has been granted an exemption.
The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has encouraged Djokovic to produce “acceptable proof that he cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.”
“If that evidence is insufficient, then he won’t be treated any differently to anyone else and he’ll be on the next plane home. There should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic at all. None whatsoever,” Morrison insisted.
On January 17, the Australian Open will begin in Melbourne and it is not certain if Djokovic will be contesting for a record-setting 21st Grand Slam title.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
