Australian Open 2022: Novak Djokovic’s visa has been canceled, nine-time champ will leave Australia

Novak Djokovic has had his visa cancelled and will be flown out of Australia after traveling to the country in search of his 10th Australian Open singles championship, according to a report from The Age and Sydney Morning Herald. 

This comes after Djokovic was denied entry into Australia when he arrived in Melbourne for the tournament. Djokovic was granted a medical exemption from tournament organizers to compete in the event, even though he is not vaccinated against COVID-19. All players and staff at the tournament must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an exemption granted by an expert independent panel in order to take part in the event.

The Victorian government reportedly rejected a late-night request to accommodate Djokovic’s visa just hours before he landed in Melbourne, but Djokovic’s lawyers are reportedly in the process of challenging the country’s decision.

Serbian president Aleksandar Vucic is getting involved in Djokovic’s visa situation.

“I’ve just finished my telephone conversation with Novak Djokovic,” Vucic posted on Instagram. “I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him and that our bodies are doing everything to see that the harassment of the world’s best tennis player is brought to an end immediately.

“In line with all norms of international law, Serbia will fight for Novak, truth and justice. Novak is strong, as we all know.”

Vucic also has summoned the Australian ambassador in Belgrade and wants Djokovic immediately released.

Djokovic receiving an exemption had caused outrage throughout the country, and the situation came to a head on Wednesday.

According to The Times of London, Djokovic was stopped at border control due to the visa issue. A member of Djokovic’s team reportedly requested a type of visa that doesn’t apply to someone that has been granted a medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccinations.

Prior to the decision to cancel his…