Veteran Czech Republic tennis player Renata Voracova has been detained by Australian Border Force officials and had her visa revoked, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
“A source familiar with the case said the Czech player entered Australia with a vaccine exemption on the basis she had been infected with COVID-19 in the last six months. This was the same reason used by Novak Djokovic,” the newspaper says.
Voracova, 38, is believed to be being held in the same Melbourne hotel as men’s world No.1 Djokovic, who is contesting his revoked visa in a court hearing set for Monday morning.
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The Sydney Morning Herald also reports that Border Force were pursuing a third Australian Open participant, an official, who is believed to have entered the country using the same vaccine exemption.
It is not known whether Voracova plans to challenge her visa being revoked, as Djokovic is doing.
The far lower profile Voracova has won 11 WTA doubles titles as well as 15 singles and 56 doubles titles on the ITF Circuit.
She is currently ranked world No.81 and has a career high singles world ranking of 74.
The saga surrounding Djokovic’s attempted entry into Australia has sparked fierce debate.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the evidence Djokovic had relied on for a medical exemption to enter Australia without being vaccinated was insufficient.
“He did not have a valid medical exemption,” Mr Morrison said.
The 2022 ATP Cup will be held in Sydney from January 1-9, with live matches, highlights, mini matches and full match replays on Stan Sport. New customers can start their free trial now by visiting: Stan.com.au/tennis
Unless a court overturns the decision, Djokovic will miss the chance to become the most grand slam winning men’s player in history.
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