Novak Djokovic

Why don't they just get on with it? They can't possibly allow him to stay, he's lied about having tested positive on December 16th or he attended an awards ceremony on the 17th knowing he had it.

It now looks as if he broke the rules for entering Spain in September. He has no regard for anyone other than himself.

I agree maddy and they'll go down in the world's opinion if they don't not to mention their own citizens, some who've had severe restrictions for prolonged periods of time.

My suspicion is that Australia won’t deport him. I think they’ve left it too long. He’d have already gone if they were going to deport him. I hope I’m wrong.

I see that the draws have been made and Djokovic is scheduled to play.

I agree with everyone else that he should most definitely be thrown out, but sadly I can’t see it happening at this late stage.
Having said that of course all tennis tournaments reschedule all the time as players drop out injured or ill.

On the other hand if his deportation is at the last minute, it would give him no time to launch an appeal, and would be the most effective way of punishing him, timing wise, as he’s probably certain he’s got away with it.

They're going to let him play aren't they unfortunately. He's been practicising and there's only a few days before the first matches. Can't wait to see how the crowd react.

Millie22

They're going to let him play aren't they unfortunately. He's been practicising and there's only a few days before the first matches. Can't wait to see how the crowd react.

If he had Covid a month ago (poor thing) he may not be up to par.

Drawn against a fellow Davis cup player and countryman, let me guess the result ?

Unfortunately it is not as simple as people think to make the decision to deport him. Yes he has admitted to falsifying his admittance papers however, one of the questions that has to be taken into consideration is "Is he a risk to the health, safety or good order of the Australian community or a segment of the Australian community"? There is no evidence to show that is the case and it probably is not the case.

These things are never as black and white as people think and none of us are privy to the facts, only what the media wants us to know.
There are many people both here and in other countries who would be outraged if he is deported. If that order is given he will go back to court and no doubt an injunction would be granted for him to stay and be allowed to play.

However this ends it has been a major stuff up and badly handled by the powers that be. And an expensive stuff up for Australian tax payers. It actually sums up our whole experience with the pandemic handling. so many bodies making rules and putting exemptions in place for "their" part of the country that the left hand does not know what the right hand is doing, let alone trying to work together and be consistent.

Spice101

I read your last paragraph and that is what my Australian family have been saying about the chaotic situation there - quite different to what some Gransnetters on here think of how it is being handled in Australia.

Done, at last ???.

I’m with you Jax ??

Why do political people make things complicated.?

This whole thing could have been avoided had the people dealing with it had simply followed the rules they made and refused him entry as he was not vaccinated. End of story!

Instead he was granted an exemption to play - not to enter the country - and the waters were muddied because the left hand did not know what the right was doing. A few too many chiefs in this case.

I hate to think what it is going to cost us. A 3 year ban on him coming to Australia = loss of income. An easy way for him to add to his millions.

He is expected to launch an appeal so sadly it might not be all over yet.

Goodbye Novak!!

I was so happy to hear this news, until I heard that he’ll probably appeal.

I wonder how all this actually affects his tennis performance? The way they have to be so focused on the game spells trouble for him, so hopefully he will lose if he ends up playing. Karma.

I was wondering the same thing Josieann and also thinking about how all this uncertainty is impacting on all the other players.

Players who of course have done nothing wrong, who have abided by the rules by being fully vaccinated.

Does this arrogant man give them any thought at all?
I doubt it.

Good point about the other players JE. His whole behaviour has far reaching effects.

From what I have heard today many of the other players have lost patience with him. They say they have followed the rules and so too should Novak.

The decision was not made until just before 6pm this evening. Obviously a political ploy but ND's lawyers are wanting to lodge their case tonight and have asked that the Government be required to lodge theirs by 10pm Saturday so a decision can be made on Sunday.

Given that the same judge is hearing the case I'm sure there will be an overturn of the decision.

Spice I don't think that follows, the problem previously was that the correct procedure hadn't been followed.

Don't slam the door on your way out Novax

All three judges were in agreement in making the decision.
Novak may apply for special permission to enter the country in the next 3 years.

I think the right decision has been made.

It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy!

Well done Australia

Yes well done Australia.
I think the country will gain the respect of the world for its decision.

Oh my. I didn't expect it but I am glad.

Not in any gloating sense: I had previously had nothing at all against Djokovic, I've always enjoyed his playing, but given that for me tennis is catching Wimbledon fortnight on the TV, I haven't followed closely enough to be aware of all the apparent negative opinions about him.

I am very impressed that the Australian court stood up for their regulations, we (UK) can learn a lot.