Incorrect information in the entry form
These are the photos that Djokovic should reveal
Novak Djokovic takes a drink break during training in the Rod Laver Arena
© Kelly Defina / Getty Images
The Australian immigration minister is still checking whether Novak Djokovic will keep his visa to take part in the Australian Open. Photos in social media and inconsistencies in the crucial PCR test, meanwhile, fuel further doubts about the information of the tennis star.
Novak Djokovic continued his training in Melbourne in preparation for the Australian Open. But whether he will even take part in the Grand Slam tournament, which he has already won nine times, is open. Australia’s Minister for Immigration, Alex Hawke, is still checking whether he will withdraw the visa from the world’s number one tennis player.
The question of whether the information Djokovic made in an entry form is correct, as reported by the Australian media, should play a role. Djokovic stated there that he had not been traveling 14 days before arrival in Australia (January 5), as required by the Australian corona regulations. But apparently the information is not correct.
Apparently the Serbian superstar, who is officially registered in the tax haven of Monaco, was very well on the way. Photos and videos in the social networks suggest that the athlete was training both in his home country of Serbia and in Spain during the period in question before he traveled down under.
These are some of the posts Djokovic may reveal.
In addition, there are now doubts about the PCR test that the tennis professional submitted to prove that he had a Covid 19 infection. As research from various media shows, the QR code of the published document showed two different results at different times: positive and negative. In addition, there are apparently indications that both the digital time stamp and the identification number of the PCR test indicate that the test was only dated December 26th – and not December 16th. That would also explain why Djokovic attended various appointments in the days after December 16, when he had actually tested positive.
It cannot be predicted whether the images that emerged and the doubts about the PCR test played a role in the minister’s decision. Numerous criteria are used, including those that speak for Djokovic. For Djokovic, for example, it could be interpreted that the entry rules are not clear or have been misinterpreted by the Australian Tennis Association, which granted the exemption. It is just as possible that the Australian government will be lenient not to take away the greatest attraction of one of the biggest sporting events on the fifth continent.
A look back at the timing of the Djokovic affair:
10th of December: The deadline for applying for an exemption to participate in the Australian Open ends – for players who have not been vaccinated against the coronavirus. Only those who are fully vaccinated are allowed to compete.
December 16: The unvaccinated Djokovic attends an event of the Serbian Post in his home country. In the evening he found out about his infection. The positive PCR result is in documents that his lawyers later submit to the Australian authorities. According to the rules in Serbia, Covid-positives who do not have severe symptoms have to be in isolation for 14 days.
December 17th: Djokovic, who actually lives in Monaco, is a guest at an award ceremony for young tennis players in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, without a mask or distance.
December 18th: He did an interview with a photo shoot for the French sports newspaper “L’Équipe”.
December 22: Djokovic did another test. Result according to own information: negative.
30th of December: According to his lawyers, Djokovic receives a special permit for the Australian Open from the medical director of the Australian Tennis Association.
New year 2021/2022: Recordings in social media show Djokovic in a tennis club in Marbella, Spain.
January 5th: Djokovic travels to Australia. Because, in the opinion of the authorities, he does not present the necessary documents for an exemption, he is refused entry. He comes to a deportation hotel.
6th January: At a remarkable press conference in Belgrade, Djokovic’s father compared his son to Jesus Christ: “Jesus was crucified, everything was done to him, and he endured it and still lives among us,” said Srdjan Djokovic. “Now they are trying to crucify Novak in the same way and do everything to him.”
10. January: A court in Melbourne upheld Djokovic’s objection and allowed him to enter the country. He is allowed to move freely. A few hours later he is on the training ground.
11th January: It is known that Djokovic stated on his immigration form that he had not traveled in the 14 days prior to the flight to Australia.
Sources: “Tagesspiegel”, “Mirror”, “The Age” DPA