Australia detained Novak Djokovic for the second time on Saturday, saying the tennis star posed a threat to public order and battling to have him deported in court. Australia’s conservative government, which at one point failed to remove the unvaccinated 34-year-old from the country, is now trying again. Djokovic fought back again. The federal court hearing is scheduled for Sunday, while Djokovic is being guarded at an undisclosed location in Melbourne, believed to be his lawyer’s office. He is expected to be in immigration custody on Saturday night after a brief few days of freedom following his first successful court appeal.
To millions around the world, the Serbian star is best known as a burly, omnipotent tennis champion with a ferocious backhand and questionable views on Covid-19.
But in court documents, Australia sees him as a talisman for anti-vaccineists and a catalyst for potential “civil unrest” and must be removed.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke believes Djokovic’s presence in Australia “may fuel anti-vaccination sentiment”, justifying his use of broad executive powers to revoke Trump’s visa.
Not only would Djokovic encourage people to ignore health rules, but his presence could lead to “civil unrest,” Hawke said.
So, with just two days to go before the Australian Open kicks off, the defending champion is again focusing his attention on the court rather than Centre Court.
Second shot
This is the second time Australia’s conservative government has attempted to oust Djokovic, one of the world’s most high-profile Covid-19 vaccine skeptics.
After months of speculation over whether Djokovic would be vaccinated in Australia, he entered the country a week ago using a medical waiver, hoping to challenge for a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Open.
Many Australians suffering from prolonged lockdowns and border restrictions believe Djokovic used the system to circumvent vaccine entry requirements.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s government revoked Djokovic’s visa on arrival amid a public outcry.
But the government was humiliated when a judge restored Djokovic’s visa and allowed him to remain in the country.
This time, the government invoked exceptional and difficult-to-challenge executive powers to declare him a threat to public health and safety.
Experts say the case has implications beyond the fate of a man who happens to be good at tennis.
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