Djokovic was booted from The Australian Open over his anti-vaccine views in a controversial decision by Australia’s immigration minister.
It comes as the international tennis event commences at Melbourne Park… where he had hoped this year to win his 21st Grand Slam singles trophy
Every January for over a decade Novak has been greeted by fans at Melbourne Park for the Australian open, signing autographs and taking selfies, but this time its a change of scenery.
Djokovic was deported on Sunday after losing a ten-day battle over his right to remain.
Instead of defending his Australian Open title as the grand slam began here in Melbourne, he posed for selfies with fans at Dubai airport as he made the long journey back to Europe.
He may have been all smiles, but he refused any questions about his visa debacle after his plan landed just after 5.30 am local time.
Where to next for the world number one?
This whole saga has ended hopes of defending his Australian Open title and the chance to win a historic twenty first grand slam.
It doesn’t appear he will be back down under any time soon… authorities earlier confirmed that the unvaccinated tennis star will ban him from Australia for up to three years.
However, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison later provided a glimmer of hope for Novak
He said to Australian radio station 2GB: “(The ban) does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for them to return in the right circumstances and that would be considered at the time”
The French Open will commence in late may, is he likely to play at that grand slam?
As he flew home from Australia, doubts rise over whether Novak would be able to play in the French Open.
A member of the French Parliament said a new law that will exclude unvaccinated people from sports venues, restaurants and other public places will apply anyone who wants to play in the tournament.
So essentially, no vaccine, no play.
The next tournament on his calendar is likely to be in Dubai at the end of next month, where he will need to provide negative PCR tests before being allowed in the country.
For now, a warm welcome awaits the world number one in his home city, where he continues to receive overwhelming support.
In pictures: Serbians rally outside Belgrade's international airport for Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic's arrival after his deportation from Australia over his coronavirus vaccination status pic.twitter.com/5o8mzq8koD
Newly released court documents have revealed chilling details about the Bondi terror attack, marking one of Australia’s deadliest attacks in decades. Father-and-son duo Sajid and Naveed Akram allegedly spent months meticulously planning the assault, targeting the “Chanukah by the Sea” festival on Sydney’s Bondi Beach. Police say the pair rehearsed tactics, filmed extremist propaganda, and prepared multiple improvised explosive devices long before the attack that killed 15 people and injured dozens more.
Investigators allege the attack began with the men throwing four improvised bombs into a crowded festival of over 1,000 attendees. The devices, including pipe bombs and a “tennis ball bomb” packed with shrapnel, failed to detonate, but authorities have described them as “viable” IEDs. Moments later, the Akrams opened fire from a footbridge overlooking the festival, creating a scene of chaos and tragedy. Among the victims were a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and worshippers who attempted to confront the gunmen.
Court documents also reveal months of preparation, including firearms training in rural New South Wales. The pair was captured on video handling long-barrelled shotguns, moving tactically, and simulating an assault scenario. Additional footage shows the men seated in front of an Islamic State flag, guns and ammunition visible, as Naveed recites passages from the Quran and then outlines the ideological motivations behind the planned Bondi attack. Authorities say these materials demonstrate a pattern of premeditation and adherence to extremist ideology.
Overseas Islamist networks
Investigators also point to digital evidence recovered from Naveed’s phone, which includes a manifesto and detailed plans for the attack. Police allege the pair’s earlier month-long trip to the southern Philippines may have included contacts with overseas Islamist networks. Intelligence agencies previously reviewed Naveed for potential radicalisation in 2019, but concluded he did not pose a threat. Sajid Akram, meanwhile, legally owned six rifles and shotguns that were later used in the attack.
The human toll of the attack has had lasting impacts on the community. Survivors and witnesses recall the terror of that day as families gathered in celebration. Lawmakers have responded with urgency, including NSW Premier Chris Minns fast-tracked reforms to tighten firearm laws, ban public displays of terrorist symbols, and expand police powers. At a national level, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured agreement from state and territory leaders to review and strengthen post-Port Arthur gun laws and introduce measures targeting extremist propaganda and hate speech.
The Bondi terror attack stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of extremist planning and the importance of vigilant intelligence and community safety measures. While court proceedings continue, the public response underscores the shared grief and determination to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In Short:
– China has deployed over 100 ICBMs in new silos near Mongolia, marking a significant nuclear expansion.
– Beijing aims to enhance military strategies for Taiwan by 2027, potentially affecting U.S. operations in the region.
China has deployed over 100 solid-fueled intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in newly constructed silo fields near its border with Mongolia, according to a draft Pentagon report reviewed by Reuters.This marks the most significant nuclear expansion by Beijing to date. The United States indicates that China shows no intention of engaging in arms control negotiations, despite President Trump’s calls for denuclearization talks with both China and Russia.
The report states that the DF-31 missiles, which have a range of 7,000 to 11,700 kilometers, are positioned across three silo fields. While the Pentagon had previously acknowledged these fields, this is the first confirmation of the number of deployed missiles.
China’s nuclear warhead stockpile was estimated at around 600 in 2024. The report projects an increase to over 1,000 warheads by 2030. It highlights a lack of willingness from Beijing to pursue arms control measures.
Beijing has dismissed such reports as attempts to discredit China and claims that it follows a nuclear strategy of self-defense with a no-first-use policy.
Forceful means
The Pentagon assessment indicates that China plans to be capable of fighting and winning a conflict over Taiwan by 2027. Beijing is reportedly enhancing military strategies to capture the island through forceful means.
These military strikes could potentially disrupt U.S. operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
Neither the Pentagon nor China’s embassy in Washington responded to requests for comment. U.S. officials cautioned that the draft report could change before its formal submission to lawmakers.
Australia’s property market is set for strong growth in 2026, driven by demand and strategic investments across key regions.
Australia’s property market is predicted to perform strongly in 2026, with no major losers expected as demand and prices rise across 14 key regions. Hotspotting’s latest analysis highlights which areas are set to shine and the factors driving this unprecedented growth.
Join Tim Graham from Hotspotting as he explains the methodology behind the price predictions and why infrastructure investments and government policies are playing a key role in shaping the market.
From regional hotspots to major cities, we explore emerging trends, buyer behavior, and the outlook for places like Darwin and Perth. Whether you’re a first home buyer or seasoned investor, this episode is packed with insights to navigate Australia’s booming property landscape.
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