Novak Djokovic finished his interview with immigration officers at an undisclosed location at 8:00 am local time on Saturday in Melbourne then has been detained by Border Force at another undisclosed location for safety reasons and he will later attend a Federal Court hearing online – which will be overseen by Judge David O’Callaghan at his solicitors’ office Sunday 10:15 AM local time as his fight to remain in Australia stays on.
IN STATE CUSTODY He has been detained by Border Force following a court-ordered arrangement, that was agreed on Friday. With the government labelling the 34-year-old ‘A threat to public interest’. His lawyers are appealing for a second time against what they called an “irrational” judgement, with the hearing set for Sunday at 10:15 am local time.
SCHEDULED TO PLAY ON MONDAY Djokovic is still scheduled to play the Australian Open on Monday in Melbourne. If he were to win the tournament for the 10th time, he would become the most successful men’s tennis player in the history of the sport with 21 major titles. But Sunday’s hearing is crucial if Djokovic is to be able to compete just hours later.
NERVOUS WAIT FOR TENNIS STAR Djokovic has come under immense criticism in recent days – since he provided false information on his immigration forms when he landed in the country. And his problems got worse after the unvaccinated Serb admitted to deliberately breaking Covid-19 isolation rules after testing positive for the virus on December 16. Despite Hawke’s decision, Djokovic and his lawyers will fight with a full arsenal to appeal Friday’s verdict. which could soon get Djokovic deported and reportedly banned from Australia for three years if his second appeal doesn’t go in his favour.
Source: AIPS
Frederick Marfo is a sportswriter and social worker well known for his advocacy for equal chances and rights for all athletes, especially those with disabilities.
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