Djokovic’s chair keeps getting hotter. © APA / afp / WILLIAM WEST
In the tug of war for Novak Djokovic‘s participation in the Australian Open, the mother of the world number one has now also spoken out. In the worst case, the tennis star could even face imprisonment.
January 12, 2022
Author: dpa / no
Dijana Djokovic called on the Australian government on Wednesday not to lift her son’s visa at the last minute and let him play the Australian Open. “Don’t throw him out. He’s not a politician, he’s a tennis player. He’s not a criminal, he’s not a murderer, ”she told the broadcaster Channel 7.
The 34-year-old was refused entry to Down Under last week because he was not vaccinated against the coronavirus and the documentation of his medical exemption was insufficient for the authorities. On Monday he was able to win a first victory in court and obtain his temporary stay.
Decision could be postponed
But Immigration Minister Alex Hawke can still revoke the Serbian visa. Dijana Djokovic emphasized that it was not fair that Hawke was allowed to determine her son’s right to stay alone. “I don’t understand how one man can make this decision.”
What’s next for Djokovic? © ANSA / JAMES ROSS
The decision on Djokovic’s whereabouts will probably not be made on Wednesday. The tennis professional was again in distress due to further details from an immigration form. According to this, the tennis star is said to have been traveling in the 14 days before the flight to Australia, contrary to his information in the document. In addition, he revealed in his confession early Wednesday morning that he had knowingly disregarded the prescribed isolation – despite positive corona tests. Incidentally, the draw for the Australian Open starts early Thursday morning at 5 a.m. So time is getting scarcer.
Criticism from Serbia – A prison sentence is also in the room
The Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic no longer has any sympathy for the behavior of the number one in the world. “This is a clear breach of the rule because – if you are positive – you have to be in isolation,” she underlined in an interview with the BBC.
“This is a clear breach of the rule because – if you are positive – you have to be in isolation.”
Ana Brnabic
Spicy: In Serbia, breaking the security regulations with regard to a corona infection is even exposed to a hefty penalty. Accordingly, Djokovic would face up to three years imprisonment in the worst of all cases. “Anyone who does not act according to regulations, resolutions or orders during an epidemic that stipulate measures to suppress or prevent them will be punished with a fine or imprisonment of up to three years”, says the Serbian criminal law. So it could be extremely tight for Djokovic.
