World No.1 Novak Djokovic has continued to split opinions in what has been described as an “uncomfortable” return to Melbourne Park.
The reigning Australian Open champ has stepped up his preparations after being freed from detention as he seeks a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title.
Nine News cameras caught Djokovic practicing on Rod Laver Arena in the afternoon behind closed doors.
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World No.38 Marton Fucsovics was one player to openly criticise Djokovic, the player he faced in last year’s Wimbledon quarter-final.
“People’s health is paramount, and there are rules that were outlined months ago, namely that everyone should vaccinate themselves – and Djokovic didn’t,” he said.
“From this point of view, I don’t think he would have the right to be here.”
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Fucsovics’ comments came amid a report from leading tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg which indicated that Djokovic’s return wasn’t well-received by his counterparts.
While Djokovic was confirmed as the No.1 seed in the men’s singles draw, his participation for the tournament could still be thwarted by the Australian Government.
Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke is considering exercising his power to deport the tennis star under separate legislation, assessing a medical exemption that the unvaccinated Djokovic relied on to fly into Melbourne and the information supplied in the visa application.
Nine political reporter Chris O’Keefe reported the decision was not expected today, after Hawke’s office issued a statement saying the matter was still under consideration “in line with due process.”
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The Prime Ministers of Australia and Serbia discussed Djokovic’s precarious visa situation today.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his Serbian counterpart, Ana Brnabić, agreed in their telephone conversation to keep in touch over the 34-year-old’s disputed visa, Morrison’s office said.
“The PM explained our non-discriminatory border policy and its role in protecting Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Morrison’s office said in a statement. “They both agreed to stay in contact on the issue.”
Brnabić asked Morrison to ensure the tennis star was treated with dignity, public broadcaster Radio Television of Serbia reported.
“The (Serbian) prime minister especially emphasised the importance of the conditions for training and physical preparation for the upcoming competition, considering that Novak Djokovic was not allowed to train in the previous days,” RTS reported.
Djokovic’s return to Rod Laver Arena comes amid new questions over his application to enter the country after documents released by the Federal Circuit Court revealed he told authorities he had not traveled in the 14 days before his flight to Australia.
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Monte Carlo-based Djokovic touched down in Melbourne just before midnight on Wednesday, answering “no” to the question about previous travel on his Australian Travel Declaration form.
But the reigning Australian Open champion was filmed playing tennis in the streets of the Serbian capital, Belgrade, on December 25, and training in Spain on December 31 0 both dates within the 14-day window.
The declaration notes that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence, and civil penalties are also available. – With AP