Novak Djokovic's visa controversy 'damaging on all fronts' – ATP
The controversy over Novak Djokovic's Australian visa
application has been "damaging on all fronts", the men's professional
tennis tour has said.
The ATP also called for more clarity of the rules to enter
Australia and urged players to get vaccinated.
Djokovic left an immigration detention hotel on Monday after
his visa cancellation was overturned in court.
But Australia's immigration minister still has powers to
re-cancel the visa and deport the unvaccinated player.
"Complications in recent days related to player entry
into Australia have... highlighted the need for clearer understanding,
communication and application of the rules," said an ATP statement.
"In travelling to Melbourne, it's clear Novak Djokovic
believed he had been granted a necessary medical exemption in order to comply
with entry regulations.
"The series of events leading to Monday's court hearing
has been damaging on all fronts, including for Novak's well-being and
preparation for the Australian Open."
Serbia's Prime Minister Ana Brnabic spoke with Australian
counterpart Scott Morrison in a call on Monday and emphasised Djokovic's need
for good training conditions, local media reported.
Mr Morrison's office said in a statement he'd had a
"constructive call". Neither leader commented on whether Djokovic
could still be deported.
Following his release, Serbia's Djokovic, 34, posted a photo of himself and his team - including coach Goran Ivanisevic - on court at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, where he has won a record nine Australian Open men's singles titles.
This year's tournament begins on 17 January and if Djokovic
wins, he will become the most successful men's player in history.
The world number one is tied with Switzerland's Roger
Federer and Spain's Rafael Nadal on 20 Grand Slam singles titles.
Though Djokovic has not spoken publicly about his
vaccination status, in his interview with border officials he confirms he is
not vaccinated.
He told the interviewer that he tested positive for Covid
twice - in June 2020 and on 16 December 2021. Copies of his positive PCR tests
were provided to the interviewer - one was issued on the 16 December 2021, a
day before Djokovic appeared at public events without a mask.
The ATP added: "More broadly, ATP continues to strongly
recommend vaccination for all players on the ATP Tour, which we believe is
essential for our sport to navigate the pandemic.
"This is based on scientific evidence supporting the
health benefits provided and to comply with global travel regulations, which we
anticipate will become stricter over time.
"We are encouraged that 97% of the top 100 players are
vaccinated leading into this year's Australian Open."
Nadal called the build-up to the Australian Open a
"circus".
"Justice has spoken and has said that he [Djokovic] has
the right to participate in the Australian Open and I think it is the fairest
decision," Nadal told the Spanish radio station Onda Cero.
Czech player Renata Voracova had her visa canceled after traveling
to Australia.
The Czech government said Voracova entered Australia on a valid exemption. Like Djokovic, she had contracted Covid-19 recently.
The Australian government said on Friday that a recent
infection does not mean a foreign national can travel to the country without
being fully vaccinated.
"Hopefully he can play. Because that is what we went
there for: to play tennis and not be part of any inside games," said
Voracova.
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