Should Novak Djokovic have been allowed to play in the Australian Open?
Introduction to the media issue
Video clip at right: On January 5, 2022, ABC News televised a report in which the head of Tennis Australia explained why Djokovic had been granted a vaccination exemption to play in Australia.What they said...
'The now twice-infected Djokovic would have more antibodies than any twice-vaccinated player. He couldn't be less of a risk on our streets, so there's no rational reason to keep him [out of the country]'
Herald-Sun and Weekly Times commentator, Andrew Bolt
'This is about someone who sought to come to Australia and not comply with the entry rules at our border. That's what this is about'
Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison
The issue at a glance
On January 14, 2022, Alex Hawke, Australia's Minister for Immigration revoked Serbian tennis champion Novak Djokovic's visa to enter Australia, preventing him from defending his title in the 2022 Australian Open.
Djokovic applied for a judicial review of the decision, but three Federal Court of Australia judges unanimously dismissed his application.
Djokovic's unvaccinated status and the probability that his presence would encourage antivaxxers within Australia and cause 'civil disorder' were considered by the judges to justify his being deported.
Djokovic said he was 'extremely disappointed' with the decision but accepted the ruling and flew out of Australia on January 17.
The debate around the decision to deport Djokovic continues raising questions regarding vaccination exemptions and other special treatment for elite athletes and the fair application of the Minister for Immigration's power to revoke visas