Djokovic’s Australian visa hearing is underway

The world is watching as tennis ace Novak Djokovic takes on the Australian government over his visa ban, ahead of the Australian Open.

Tennis star Novak Djokovic’s visa hearing is taking place in Melbourne and the decision will determine whether he can remain in Australia and compete in the Australian Open.

His visa was canceled last week for entering Australia without a valid medical exemption from the country’s Covid vaccination requirement for all arrivals.

If the court upholds the cancellation, Djokovic will be deported as soon as possible.

Monday’s court hearing was delayed by technical issues. A live feed set up for the public to watch appeared overwhelmed and failed to load.

The hearing is under way and Djokovic’s lawyers, led by Nicholas Wood, SC, are addressing the tennis player’s entry into Australia under the Biosecurity Act.

Mr Wood tells Judge Anthony Kelly the Act does not require entrants to provide evidence of a medical contraindication, but Djokovic did.

Supporters gather

Fans and protesters alike have been gathering outside the Park Hotel in Melbourne since Novak Djokovic was moved to the temporary detention facility.

Djokovic case has prompted anger from people who feel the rich and powerful are getting an easy ride when it comes to Australia’s tough Covid-19 rules.

Djokovic remains in the Park Hotel in Melbourne, despite his repeated requests to be moved to a “more suitable place of detention,” according to court documents published Saturday.

The tennis star had wanted to train in the event he’s released from immigration detention to contest the Australian Open after Monday’s hearing.

Serbian officials have managed to negotiate extra concessions, the country’s Prime Minister Ana Brnabic told Serbian national TV station RTV Pink on Saturday.