Novak Djokovic denied entry to Australia, has visa canceled
FILE - Serbia's Novak Djokovic after defeating Croatia's Marin Cilic during their Davis Cup tennis semi-final match at Madrid Arena in Madrid, Spain, on Dec. 3, 2021. Top-ranked Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Cup in Australia ahead of the first Grand Slam of the season. Cup organizers didn't give a reason. The 34-year-old Serbian has declined to comment on his vaccination status in recent months and Australia’s strict regulations require all players, officials and fans to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic has had his visa canceled and been denied entry to Australia after arriving in Melbourne to defend his title at the season-opening tennis major.
The Australian Border Force says Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet entry requirements and will be removed from the country.
The top-ranked Djokovic flew in after receiving a medical exemption from strict vaccination requirements in place for the Australian Open.
Australian media reported that Djokovic’s team had applied for the wrong type of visa.
According to the Associated Press, his lawyers are expected to appeal the decision.
It led Serbia’s president to blast the “harassment” of the 20-time major winner.
