Border Force cancel Czech player’s medical exemption visa ahead of Australian Open
Czech player Renata Voracova has had her Australian Open medical exemption cancelled and is currently being detained in the same immigration hotel as Novak Djokovic.
After the Australian Border Force (ABF) detained 20-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic upon entering the country when he provided an invalid medical exemption visa, another player has had her visa cancelled for supposedly the same reason.
Both Voracova and World number one Djokovic are said to have used the same basis for their medical exemptions.
The Herald Sun revealed that last month Tennis Australia sent out a letter to players which indicated unvaccinated players may be granted a temporary exemption to play if they could prove they had contracted Covid-19 within the past six months.
However, it is believed that this exemption did not permit entry into Australia.
According to Australian news service ABC News, a government source has confirmed Voracova was notified by Border Force officials that she is required to leave the country. Although she is reportedly expected not to challenge or appeal the decision.
Voracova entered Australia last month with a medical exemption provided by Tennis Australia and has been competing in the Gippsland Trophy in preparation for the upcoming Australian Open. Although she now has to leave immediately.
A statement released by the Czech Foreign Ministry read “we can confirm that Czech tennis player Renata Voráčová is in the same detention [centre] as Djokovic, together with several other players.
“We submitted through our embassy in Canberra a protest note and are asking for an explanation of the situation.
“However, Renata Voráčová decided to drop out of the tournament due to limited possibilities for training and [opted] to leave Australia.”
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