- Novak Djokovic’s visa was cancelled for a second time today on the basis his presence could “excite anti-vaccination sentiment”.
- His legal team are appealing today’s decision.
- In just a few hours’ time he is scheduled to be interviewed by Australian immigration officials (at 8am Melbourne time).
- The proceedings have been transferred to Federal Court, and the full hearing will take place on Sunday morning, the day before the Australian Open begins.
If the decision by Alex Hawke, the immigration minister, to cancel the visa stands, that will of course prevent Djokovic from playing at the
Australian Open, and also lead to him being put on a plane home at the earliest opportunity.
Novak Djokovic’s diary this weekend (courtesy of our reporter Paul Karp):
- 8am Saturday – interview with Border Force
- Then detention, including
- 10am-2pm at his lawyers offices on Saturday; then
- From 9am Sunday, also at his lawyers offices, this time for the hearing