Novak Djokovic's Australian Open Hopes May Hinge On Travels Before Arrival
NDTV
With the Australian government bruised after losing to Djokovic in the courts on Monday over revoking his entry visa, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has said he could yet deport the men's world number one.
Novak Djokovic's bid for an unprecedented 21st singles Grand Slam title at the Australian Open could hinge on a single answer he gave on a visa form -- had he travelled between Serbia and Spain in the fortnight before his arrival? The 34-year-old is reported to have ticked the box saying 'no' but social media posts and reports appear to show the Monte Carlo resident was in the Serbian capital Belgrade and then Marbella in the 14 days leading up to his departure for Melbourne.
With the Australian government bruised after losing to Djokovic in the courts on Monday over revoking his entry visa, Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has said he could yet deport the men's world number one.
He would have reason to do so if Djokovic is found to have lied on his entry form.
The travel document clearly spells out that "giving false or misleading information is a serious offence" and can result in being barred from Australia for three years.
Djokovic was pictured in Belgrade on December 25, with Serbian handball player Petar Djordjic. The photograph appeared on Djordjic's Instagram page.