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Novak Djokovic US Open 2021

Australian Government still ‘want to lock Novak Djokovic up again,’ claims brother


Despite Novak Djokovic being cleared to play the Australian Open, brother Djordje claims that “we are receiving information that the minister is above the court” and he still faces the possibility of deportation.

Last week, 20-time Grand Slam titlist Djokovic announced that he had been granted a medical exemption for the Australian Open which allowed him to compete for a record-breaking 21st Slam title.

However, Djokovic was detained upon arrival and faced deportation when his exemption was voided and his visa was cancelled.

The World number one had been allowed to remain Down Under with an injunction as he fought the decision in court. The court hearing ruled in Djokovic’s favour and he is now allowed to defend his ‘Happy Slam’ crown.

Although it was stated in the court hearing the Home Affairs Karen Andrews reserved the right to veto the court’s decision and deport Djokovic.

Andrews previously said it was Djokovic’s responsibility to ensure he had provided the proper documentation to support his exemption.

As such, brother Djordje Djokovic told Serbian television station TV Prva “Novak has shown that he is persistent and that he believes in his ideals. He won this fight for the whole world.

“The judge has made the right ruling based on facts, but we are receiving information that the minister is above the court.

“Novak is in a political whirlwind, the people in Australia are unhappy since they have been locked down basically since the pandemic started.

“It’s definitely politics. What we can do is to let this be known all over social media – they want to capture and lock up Novak again.

“That’s the last [latest] information, we are currently consulting with PRs about our next steps. He is at the moment with his lawyers in the room they were during the hearing, thinking about his options.”

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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.