“Not her fault!” WTA releases STRONG statement regarding Renata Voracova’s visa debacle in Australia
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Renata Voracova
The eyes of the world are currently on World No.1 Novak Djokovic. The 20-time grand slam champion had his visa cancelled upon his arrival in Melbourne a few days back. Djokovic challenged his probable deportation in Federal court and won the case on Monday. Djokovic got his visa reinstated and was declared a ‘free man’ by the judge.
Interestingly, Djokovic wasn’t the only player who got his visa cancelled. Czech doubles specialist Renata Voracova too was deported on arrival in Melbourne. Like Djokovic, she too was due to compete at the Australian Open on account of medical exemptions.
Many people have called out Australian authorities’ harsh treatment towards the players. Following that up, the WTA has now released an official statement regarding Voracova’s visa issues. WTA acknowledged Tennis Australia’s efforts to host the Australian Open in a safe environment and cleared their pro vaccination stand.
“The WTA is supportive and appreciative of all the efforts put forth by Craig Tiley and Tennis Australia to host the Summer of Tennis under conditions that continue to be challenging for all. The WTA believes that all players should be vaccinated and is in full support of the immigration policies that have been put in place as the protection of the Australian communities in which we compete is critical,” the statement read.
But they added that Renata Voracova followed all the given rules and was wronged without any mistake. They assured that the organization is in talks with the authorities and will continue to work towards justice.
“That being said, the complications experienced over the past few days where athletes have followed the approved and authorized process of receiving a medical exemption for entry into the country are unfortunate. Renata Voracova followed these rules and procedures, was cleared for entry upon her arrival, competed in an event and then suddenly had her visa cancelled when she had done nothing wrong,” the statement further read.
“We will continue to work with all authorities on addressing this unfortunate situation in an appropriate manner.”
Voracova demands compensation from Tennis Australia
Earlier, Voracova revealed the expenses she had to spend in order to compete at the Australian Open apart from the mental boil she had to go through. She also said that she’ll demand compensation from Tennis Australia which she considers is her right.
“The air ticket alone cost 60,000 Czech crowns (€2460, $2780) and my coach travelled with me. And then there is all that time, hotels, training for the grand slam, the potential prizemoney. I hope Tennis Australia will face up to it and that we won’t have to take legal steps. I’m not thinking about tennis. I’m still waking up from the shock, I haven’t processed it yet,” Voracova told The Denik, a Czech Republic newspaper.
“I’m exhausted. They just came to my hotel. First, they told me when they came to my room that they (wanted) just some explanation about my exemption, that it would take around an hour,” she added.
Also read: ‘WIN IT ALL!’ Venus Williams backs Novak Djokovic to clinch the 2022 Australian Open title
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Lakshya Chopra
(2595 Articles Published)