Tennis League All Thread

[Cnut237]

And now, AO and Djokovic and to certain extent the Australian government are going to be criticised for this kind of exemptions. I agree that this will be a complete slap on the face for other players who are fully vaccinated. And now others are wishing Djokovic to not win the Australian Open because of this exemptions given to him, Lol, it will really be ironic.

There has been a huge backlash already about this. And there is conflict between the Australian authorities. Tennis Australia have said he's got an exemption, but after they announced it, this from earlier today:

But on Wednesday afternoon, the home affairs minister, Karen Andrews, indicated the federal government might also have a say in the matter. Andrews said in a statement it was for Tennis Australia and the Victorian government to decide whether a non-vaccinated player could take part in the Australian Open but “it is the commonwealth government that will enforce our requirements at the Australian border”.
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, subsequently said when Djokovic arrived “if he is not vaccinated he must provide acceptable proof that he cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons”.
“If that evidence is insufficient, then he won’t be treated any different to anyone else and will be on the next plane home – there should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic,” Morrison said in Canberra.

Quote from the link below. Which also features some sample Twitter comments from ordinary Australians.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/05/appalling-message-outrage-over-novak-djokovics-medical-exemption-to-play-australian-open

I think if he does play - which still isn't clear - then the crowd will be hugely against him. From a betting angle, I wouldn't bet on him to win the tournament in these circumstances.

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[Daniel91]

New drama with Djokovic,  it seems he can't enter Australia because of wrong visa.
What is going on here? 😀
This story with Djokovic really become crazy right now.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/visa-bungle-delays-novak-djokovic-s-entry-into-australia-20220105-p59m75.html

From the article:
A visa bungle on Wednesday night cast doubt over Novak Djokovic’s entry into Australia, with the Victorian government rejecting a late-night request to support the world No. 1’s visa hours before he landed in Melbourne.

The world’s No.1 tennis player, who was granted an exemption to play in this month’s Australian Open, landed at Tullamarine about 11.30pm.
As a result, Border Force sought Victorian government support to facilitate his entry. The federal agency asked for the Andrews government’s support because Victoria partners with Tennis Australia in running the event that Djokovic’s visa pertains to.

Federal authorities contacted Victorian departmental officials asking them to formally back his application. Victorian officials asked the federal authorities to put their request in writing and eventually rejected the request to sponsor Djokovic’s visa.

Last update:

Djokovic is in custody at the airport, his cell phone has been confiscated and his team does not have access to him

Source: https://www.index.hr/mobile/clanak.aspx?category=sport&id=2330439

This will be the longest and hardest night of his life. Will the Australian government deport him due to huge public pressure?

[Trofo]

I think if he does play - which still isn't clear - then the crowd will be hugely against him. From a betting angle, I wouldn't bet on him to win the tournament in these circumstances.

He is used to that, every time he played against Federer or Nadal the crowd was against him. He is too good player to loose in against week opponents and against top opponents if I had to bet I would even say that this will make him better than ever. He is from Serbia and people in these parts of the world like to show their point.

I have absolutely nothing against Djokovic in this case, he stuck to his anti-vaccine belief (not gonna debate if he is right or wrong) and applied for exemption. The problem that he got the exemption is with the government or with their rules in the first place.

I read somewhere that 27 (or around that number, can't find the article now) players applied for exemption and that only several has got it. Maybe he is not anti-vaxer but he has actual medical condition? I highly doubt it, but anyway it seems he is not alone or they are again lying to us.

[Daniel91]

I think if he does play - which still isn't clear - then the crowd will be hugely against him. From a betting angle, I wouldn't bet on him to win the tournament in these circumstances.

He is used to that, every time he played against Federer or Nadal the crowd was against him. He is too good player to loose in against week opponents and against top opponents if I had to bet I would even say that this will make him better than ever. He is from Serbia and people in these parts of the world like to show their point.

I have absolutely nothing against Djokovic in this case, he stuck to his anti-vaccine belief (not gonna debate if he is right or wrong) and applied for exemption. The problem that he got the exemption is with the government or with their rules in the first place.

I read somewhere that 27 (or around that number, can't find the article now) players applied for exemption and that only several has got it. Maybe he is not anti-vaxer but he has actual medical condition? I highly doubt it, but anyway it seems he is not alone or they are again lying to us.

According to this article, Djokovic has serious and actual medical condition.
https://www.index.hr/mobile/clanak.aspx?category=sport&id=2330225

It seems that Djokovic has a very serious illness; celiac disease.

[Yaunfitda]

^^ So the Djokovic drama is still not over yet?

And we are not sure if he is going to play or not? Is the government willing to give him the exceptions but they gets a lot of backlash?

And I think everyone here is even torn between wanting to see Djokovic compete but at the same time we also need it to be fair whether you are top 1 or top 100.

[Cnut237]

It seems that Djokovic has a very serious illness; celiac disease.

Coeliac disease is simply gluten intolerance. It is extremely common, and has no bearing on whether or not you can be vaccinated. He might as well say he has hayfever.

[babygun]

^^ So the Djokovic drama is still not over yet?

And we are not sure if he is going to play or not? Is the government willing to give him the exceptions but they gets a lot of backlash?

And I think everyone here is even torn between wanting to see Djokovic compete but at the same time we also need it to be fair whether you are top 1 or top 100.

Well the government said they will not grant him an exception for his visa problems, but probably there will be a work around this...

He is used to that, every time he played against Federer or Nadal the crowd was against him. He is too good player to loose in against week opponents and against top opponents if I had to bet I would even say that this will make him better than ever. He is from Serbia and people in these parts of the world like to show their point.

I have absolutely nothing against Djokovic in this case, he stuck to his anti-vaccine belief (not gonna debate if he is right or wrong) and applied for exemption. The problem that he got the exemption is with the government or with their rules in the first place.

I read somewhere that 27 (or around that number, can't find the article now) players applied for exemption and that only several has got it. Maybe he is not anti-vaxer but he has actual medical condition? I highly doubt it, but anyway it seems he is not alone or they are again lying to us.

Yeah indeed, he is mentally strong enough to withstand a crowd that will boo him all the time. In another article I found, the reason they claimed that some players got a medical exemption would be the fact that they tested positive on Covid 6 monts ago or less.

[Daniel91]

Last updates:

''The decision on whether #Djokovic can enter Australia will be made somewhere between 9.30-10 AM local time, which is 10.30-11 PM CET. So, in two hours, more or less.''
Source: https://twitter.com/ozmo_sasa/status/1478816224691818501?s=20

''Djokovic's phone has been returned after more than three hours.''
https://twitter.com/ozmo_sasa/status/1478818999014150145?s=20

These are probably the most difficult moments in Djokovic's life.

The President of Serbia just called Djokovic and talked to him. Summary of the publication in English:
Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/CYXH7_yMkv8/?utm_source=ig_embed


''I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him, and that our authorities are taking all measures to stop the harassment of the best tennis player in the world in the shortest possible period. In accordance with all norms of international public law, Serbia will fight for Novak Djokovic, for justice and truth. ''

This is already becoming a major international and diplomatic scandal.

His father's dramatic statement (I translated the part into English):
''"I have no idea what's going on, they're holding my son captive for five hours. This is a fight for a free world. This is not a fight just for Novak but a fight for the whole world. The whole world has to go and rebel against cattle. If they don't let him go in half hours, we will gather on the street, this is a fight for all ", ''
Source: https://www.index.hr/sport/clanak/djokovicev-otac-zarobili-su-mi-sina-ako-ga-stoka-ne-pusti-idemo-na-ulice/2330464.aspx

Breaking news:

''World No.1 Novak Djokovic has been told his visa has been rejected and that he will be flown out of Australia later on Thursday.
Djokovic’s lawyers are in the process of challenging the decision, a source familiar with the situation confirmed to The Age and Sydney Morning Herald
Source: https://www.theage.com.au/national/visa-bungle-delays-novak-djokovic-s-entry-into-australia-20220105-p59m75.html

''World Number 1 Novak Djokovic remains at Melbourne Airport after his arrival just before midnight — his visa has now been cancelled by Australian Border Force. I understand he will now challenge the decision in the Victorian courts''
Source: https://twitter.com/cstanaway/status/1478834774781267969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1478834774781267969%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.index.hr%2Fsport%2Fclanak%2Fiz-minute-u-minutu-australski-mediji-djokovica-ce-deportirati-iz-zemlje%2F2330439.aspx

''Greg Hunt, Australia's health minister, confirms Djokovic has failed to provide 'appropriate standards of proof' to enter the country and that he will be sent home.''
Source: https://twitter.com/oliverbrown_tel/status/1478839644460503042?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1478839644460503042%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.index.hr%2Fsport%2Fclanak%2Fiz-minute-u-minutu-australski-mediji-djokovica-ce-deportirati-iz-zemlje%2F2330439.aspx

So now it's official, Djokovic will be deported from the country

[Trofo]

This is already becoming a major international and diplomatic scandal.

Australian idiots, I considered them a bit drastic with measures but fair, these latest developments are moronic. How can this end in any way positive for Australia and AO? Why did they take Djokovic phone? Is he now a terrorist? He filed for a wrong visa? After playing in Australia every year for last 15 years? Sure, I believe in that, and by the way since Earth is flat we should have made a tunnel to Australia, would be much cheaper and more eco friendly. *

You guys are missing a lot if you don't speak Serbian/Croatian, English translation can never convey pictures like our language:) Djokovic father did give a bit heated and let's call it "redneck flavored" statement. Could have said the same in gloves with style and made Australian government look even worse.

*That last part was a sarcasm if it did not get trough and I am actually not sure if flat earthers believe that there is something on the other side of the board, maybe they believe everything is on the same side so my tunnel idea does not work.

[babygun]

This is already becoming a major international and diplomatic scandal.

Australian idiots, I considered them a bit drastic with measures but fair, these latest developments are moronic. How can this end in any way positive for Australia and AO? Why did they take Djokovic phone? Is he now a terrorist? He filed for a wrong visa? After playing in Australia every year for last 15 years? Sure, I believe in that, and by the way since Earth is flat we should have made a tunnel to Australia, would be much cheaper and more eco friendly. *

You guys are missing a lot if you don't speak Serbian/Croatian, English translation can never convey pictures like our language:) Djokovic father did give a bit heated and let's call it "redneck flavored" statement. Could have said the same in gloves with style and made Australian government look even worse.

*That last part was a sarcasm if it did not get trough and I am actually not sure if flat earthers believe that there is something on the other side of the board, maybe they believe everything is on the same side so my tunnel idea does not work.

You are absolutely right, Australia and the AO have made themself to look like a complete fool. First with all the medical exemptions for unvaccinated players and now with this visa saga... Even in movies, nobody would have predicted this scenario.

[aoluain]

I couldnt believe what I heard today.

This has just turned into a bigger farce now, I think the Aussies have gone too far
although Djokovic and team didnt make it easy for themselves and something
had to happen regarding this whole vaccine issue at some stage.

[AndySt]

I couldnt believe what I heard today.
This has just turned into a bigger farce now, I think the Aussies have gone too far although Djokovic and team didnt make it easy for themselves and something had to happen regarding this whole vaccine issue at some stage.

It was both sides, both Djokovic's side and the tournament organizer's side, together with the Australian authorities, that brought the situation to a farce. Was it worth it to constantly loudly assert that no exceptions will be made for anyone in the direction of easing anti-Covid19 restrictions and then also loudly announce that Djokovic will take part in the tournament without vaccination and without a two-week quarantine? And then, in the wake of public outrage, to back down and refuse purely on formal grounds. Djokovic, too, with all his titles and my sympathies for him, has already crossed all the lines in his unwillingness to get vaccinated and, moreover, wanting to participate in all tournaments, despite the epidemic.

[Timelord2067]

I applaud the Australian Government for their decision to deport Djokovic on Covid related issues (now the world knows him to be unvaccinated, it might discourage others from coming into close contact with that person).

[Kemarit]

I applaud the Australian Government for their decision to deport Djokovic on Covid related issues (now the world knows him to be unvaccinated, it might discourage others from coming into close contact with that person).

And that's what we are talking and discussing about the Djokovic saga here, he shouldn't play if he is not vaccinated, period. not exceptions whatsoever. But maybe the Australian government really realized that they made a mistake of providing one for him. And there could be pressures within the government itself to revoke his exceptions that's they have to find a way, and that is to deport him.

Yes, for one I really believed that he hasn't taken a jab because of his belief (as against the majority who thinks a vaccine really does help).

[Timelord2067]

I live and Queensland and am able to hear a more "whole of story" than people in other parts of the world are hearing sound bytes .....

Djokovic applied for an exemption from the Victorian state based heath authorities.

Whilst in the air an appeal was made to review that decision as it was contrary to Australia's immigration requirements as they currently stand.

That appeal was successful.

Also, I'd heared that the Australian Tennis venue have a requirement for all entrants to be able to show proof of double vaccinated.

Djokovic's initial application it would seem made the admission he is not (Afterall he applied to appear unvaccinated).

Kind of sets the wrong signal a stadium full of double vaccinated spectators would be exposed to a player not wearing a mask, not tested, not vaccinated and not having quarantined for someone who just wants to further their sponsorship dollars.

[aoluain]

↑
Thats fairly straight forward and its not what was portrayed in the media here.

I believe there was quite a sizable backlash to the decision to grant him an exemption
from the population of Melbourne who have been the most quarantined city in the world
and who have massive compliance ^{over 90%}.

After everything Victorians have been through, Novak Djokovic getting a vaccine exemption is nothing short of a kick in the guts. All those lockdowns, all that suffering. Seriously?

I think in light of all this justice has prevailed.

[Swordsoffreedom]

I live and Queensland and am able to hear a more "whole of story" than people in other parts of the world are hearing sound bytes .....

Djokovic applied for an exemption from the Victorian state based heath authorities.

Whilst in the air an appeal was made to review that decision as it was contrary to Australia's immigration requirements as they currently stand.

That appeal was successful.

Also, I'd heared that the Australian Tennis venue have a requirement for all entrants to be able to show proof of double vaccinated.

Djokovic's initial application it would seem made the admission he is not (Afterall he applied to appear unvaccinated).

Kind of sets the wrong signal a stadium full of double vaccinated spectators would be exposed to a player not wearing a mask, not tested, not vaccinated and not having quarantined for someone who just wants to further their sponsorship dollars.

This is some very controversial incident already. It will be a shame if Djokovic gets to play there without double vaccination.

you know, It might expose the audience including the opposition player to the virus and if such things happen, they won't have any answer as to why they let him play. This is very saddening that the fed is thinking about the revenue more than public health.

[Cnut237]

So apparently the world's new 'most hated man in sport' is now challenging the decision to revoke his visa, after his lawyers successfully prevented him being kicked out of the country.
I must say my opinion of Djokovic is dropping rapidly. What an arrogant b***ard. Can you imagine the reaction now if he actually succeeds with his challenge, and turns up to play at the tournament? He's displaying absolute contempt for the Australian people, and directly challenging the prime minister who was trying to take steps to protect the country.

Novak Djokovic is awaiting his Australian Open fate in a Melbourne immigration hotel as the world No 1 mounts a legal challenge against Australia’s decision to cancel his visa.

Djokovic’s lawyers succeeded in a bid to stop him from being deported on Thursday with a full hearing in the federal circuit court now scheduled for Monday.

The tennis champion spent eight hours detained at Melbourne airport overnight before Australian Border Force officials announced he had been denied entry into the country on Thursday morning. They cited a failure to meet Australia’s Covid vaccination exemption requirements.

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/jan/06/novak-djokovic-to-challenge-australian-visa-cancellation-in-federal-court

[cryptofrka]

What a soap opera this is turning out to be - and actually all the proof you need on how sick of a society we are.
Among all the problems the world is facing, people unite in hating a tennis player that simply asked to play on a tennis tournament that is important to his career.

I didn't like him before, I won't start liking him now but I really wish him a great season after all of this. I don't see any chance of him playing there now.

[Cnut237]

Among all the problems the world is facing, people unite in hating a tennis player that simply asked to play on a tennis tournament that is important to his career.

This isn't simply someone wanting to play in a tournament. It's directly and inextricably linked to the problems that the world is facing.