“Don’t take any steps to remove Novak Djokovic from Australia” Judge Kelly orders Minister Alex Hawke

Novak Djokovic‘s participation saga at the 2022 Australian Open had another twist this morning when Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke exercised his power to cancel the Serbian’s visa after the first attempt of the government was overruled by the courtroom of Judge Kelly who found the Australian government’s case ‘unreasonable’.

While the verdict of the case on Monday, 10th January, minister Hawke did not use his power till 14th January, Friday as rounds of discussion were held within the government whether or not to re-cancel Djokovic’s visa as now he is on the verge of being banned from entering the country for 3 years.

As expected, however, Novak’s lawyers have immediately filed a case to challenge the decision of the Australian government and try once again to win the verdict that will allow the player to compete at the Grand Slam where he will be the 3-time defending champion going for his 10th Australian Open title and 21st career Grand Slam title.

With the case hearing scheduled for 16th January, Sunday, Judge Kelly has issued orders to minister Hawke regarding the case. As reported by Karen Sweeney, court reporter for Australian Associated Press, the judge has ordered the government to submit an undertaking that no attempt will be made to remove Djokovic from the country until a final decision is taken by the court.

Novak Djokovic yet to be removed from the Australian Open draw

Even with this recent development, Djokovic has not yet been removed from the main-draw of the 2022 Australian Open where he is seeded first. With the top-half of the draw scheduled to play on 17th January, Monday, it will be some tense hours in the Djokovic camp regarding the player’s participation.

He is expected to be taken into a government detention centre for the case and then will be accompanied for the hearing by his lawyers along with officers of the Australian Border Forces as well for the final verdict on the saga. The Australian Open will not be interfering in the case likely and would allow their 3-time defending champion to take the court on Monday if he wins the case again.

Also Read: I’m not going to kick Novak Djokovic down but you need to be vaccinated to come in,’ Andy Murray believes rules were made clear from the start

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