The tennis world has been rocked by the Immigration Minister’s decision to cancel Novak Djokovic’s visa for the second time in a matter of weeks.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke made the call just before 6pm AEDT on Friday, booting the reigning Australian Open champion out of the tournament just days before its commencement.
Djokovic’s camp is expected to appeal the ruling, with court proceedings set to take place throughout the weekend.
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Reaction to the Immigration Minister’s bombshell call on Djokovic’s visa has been swift and widespread.
Hawke cited “health and goods order grounds” for re-cancelling the world No.1’s visa, stating “it was in the public interest to do so”.
Djokovic was initially refused entry into Australia over queries around his medical exemption, however the matter was settled in court on Monday with a judge overturning the Australian government’s decision to cancel his visa.
Djokovic may be barred from returning to Australia for three years following the decision, as confirmed in court when the possibility of the minister cancelling Djokovic’s visa was raised and such a ban could occur.
However, the Australian Government could use its discretion to not apply that ban to the tennis star.
Novak Djokovic’s legal team is yet to speak out or appeal.
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