The controversy surrounding Novak Djokovic’s Australian visa application has been “damaging on all fronts,” according to the men’s professional tennis tour.
The ATP also demanded that the rules governing entry into Australia be clarified and urged players to be immunized.
On Monday, Djokovic was released from an immigration detention hotel after his visa cancellation was overturned in court.
The Australian immigration minister, on the other hand, retains the authority to revoke the visa and deport the unvaccinated player.
“Complications related to player entry into Australia in recent days have… highlighted the need for clearer understanding, communication, and application of the rules,” according to an ATP statement.
“It is clear that when Novak Djokovic traveled to Melbourne, he believed he had been granted the necessary medical exemption to comply with entry regulations.”
“On all fronts, the events leading up to Monday’s court hearing have harmed Novak’s health and preparation for the Australian Open.”
According to an Australian government spokesman, immigration minister Alex Hawke is still “thoroughly considering the matter.”
Djokovic will be questioned further about his Australian travel declaration, which is required of all passengers three to seven days before their arrival.
According to reports, he did not travel in the 14 days preceding his flight to Australia, but he did travel between the Serbian capital of Belgrade and Spain during that time.
According to local media, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke with her Australian counterpart Scott Morrison on Monday and emphasized the importance of good training conditions for Djokovic.
Morrison’s office said in a statement that he had received a “constructive call.” Neither leader raised the prospect of Djokovic being deported.
Djokovic, 34, posted a photo of himself and his team on the court at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, where he has won a record nine Australian Open men’s singles titles.
The tournament begins on January 17th, and if Djokovic wins, he will become the most successful men’s tennis player in history.
The world number one is tied for the most Grand Slam singles titles with Switzerland’s Roger Federer and Spain’s Rafael Nadal (20).
Djokovic has not spoken publicly about his vaccination status, but he confirms that he is not vaccinated in an interview with border officials.
He admitted to the interviewer that he tested positive for Covid twice: once in June 2020 and again on December 16, 2021. The interviewer was shown copies of Djokovic’s positive PCR tests, one of which was issued on December 16, 2021, the day before he appeared in public without a mask.
Also read: Vaccine Exemption: Djokovic Wins In Court
“More broadly, the ATP continues to strongly advise vaccination for all ATP Tour players, which we believe is critical for our sport’s ability to navigate the pandemic,” the ATP added.
“This is based on scientific evidence supporting the provided health benefits, as well as to comply with global travel regulations, which we anticipate will become more stringent over time.”
“We are encouraged that 97 percent of the top 100 players have been immunized in advance of this year’s Australian Open.”
The build-up to the Australian Open, according to Nadal, is a “circus.”
“Justice has spoken, and he [Djokovic] has the right to compete in the Australian Open,” Nadal said on Spanish radio station Onda Cero.
Renata Voracova, a Czech player, had her visa revoked after visiting Australia.
According to the Czech government, Voracova entered Australia with a valid visa. She, too, had recently been diagnosed with Covid-19, like Djokovic.
A recent infection, according to the Australian government, does not preclude a foreign national from visiting Australia without being fully vaccinated.
“I’m hopeful that he’ll be able to play.” “Because that’s why we went there: to play tennis and avoid any inside games,” explained Voracova.
