Novak Djokovic: Doubts re-emerge about Australian Open defence over reported misleading travel info

Novak Djokovic's defence of his Australian Open title remains in doubt after reports emerged that the world number one might have given misleading information to Australian immigration officials.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is still considering whether to cancel Djokovic's visa despite his court victory on Monday, which enabled the 34-year-old to leave his quarantine hotel and resume training in Melbourne.

Australian media reported that officials are concerned about Djokovic's claim on his entry form that he had not travelled in the 14 days prior to his arrival in Australia on January 6.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Social media posts have appeared to make clear that Djokovic attended events in Belgrade and Marbella during the period in question. Djokovic has reportedly claimed that Tennis Australia filled in the form on his behalf.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic, left, talks with a teammate during a practice session in the Rod Laver Arena in MelbourneDefending champion Novak Djokovic, left, talks with a teammate during a practice session in the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne
Defending champion Novak Djokovic, left, talks with a teammate during a practice session in the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne

In addition, there remain separate questions over Djokovic's confirmed positive test on December 16 and his subsequent meeting with children at a public event in Belgrade the next day, which would have broken Serbia's own 14-day quarantine rules following a positive test.

Amid the continued confusion, Djokovic's former coach Boris Becker has warned he risks the wrath of the Australian Open crowd if his quest for a record 21st grand slam title is ultimately allowed to continue.

While Serbian fans celebrated outside the court-house on Monday, many Australians, who have endured months of hard lockdowns, remain angry at the current decision to allow the unvaccinated Djokovic to enter the country.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Becker, who coached Djokovic for three seasons from 2014 to 2016, told the BBC: "I'm sure there will be a couple of boos and whistles, but he's used to that.

"He was always a street-fighter who had to fight the odds and win over the crowd, and it was fascinating in last year's US Open final when they finally embraced him.

"The crowd will be difficult with him but with each match he starts, he will win the crowd and they will embrace him again. But he is going to have a difficult first week."

Whilst expressing his full support for Djokovic's stance, Becker admitted he was concerned at the prospect of similar problems in the future, and reiterated his belief that the world number one should accept a vaccine.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I'm sure the French Open and Wimbledon will be watching the Melbourne saga, and I'm sure they will have strict rules on who can play and who cannot play," Becker added.

"It's everybody's choice but life is more difficult if you don't want to be vaccinated. Personally I'd advise him to be vaccinated eventually because life would be easier for him, but ultimately it's his choice and we have to respect that."

A number of fellow players have expressed concerns over Djokovic's potential exemption, although Rafael Nadal offered belated support for the decision on Monday, having previously intimated it was wrong for his great rival to seek to enter Australia.

Wimbledon quarter-finalist Marton Fucsovics provided a glimpse of the mood in the locker room by saying he does not think the Serbian had the right to play.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Speaking to Hungarian outlet M4Sport, Fucsovics said: "People's health is paramount, and there are rules that were outlined months ago, namely that everyone should vaccinate themselves - and Djokovic didn't.

"From this point of view, I don't think he would have the right to be here."

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this article. If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.

Related topics: