Veteran political journalist Paul Bongiorno has suggested that Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke will cancel Djokovic's visa and deport the World Number 1 following the confusion and dismay caused by revelations that he 'lied' on this immigration travel form and was attending events whilst Covid positive.
“I am hearing @AlexHawkeMP will boot out the Joker tomorrow,” Bongiorno tweeted on Wednesday night.
With the recent revelations, the Australian federal government is reportedly “still preparing” a case to rescind his visa and deport him from Australia with a decision expected today.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has said he’s “thoroughly” considering whether to use his personal power to cancel Djokovic’s visa under section 133c of the Migration Act.
Mr Hawke’s office revealed the world number one’s lawyers had “recently provided lengthy further submissions and supporting documentation”, pushing back the decision.
Full Novak Djokovic statement
“I want to address the continuing misinformation about my activities and attendance at events in December in the lead up to my positive PCR Covid test result.
“This is misinformation which needs to be corrected, particularly in the interest of alleviating broader concern in the community about my presence in Australia, and to address matters which are very hurtful and concerning to my family.
“I want to emphasise that I have tried very hard to ensure the safety of everyone and my compliance with testing obligations. I attended a basketball game in Belgrade on 14 December after which it was reported that a number of people tested positive with Covid-19.
“Despite having no Covid symptoms, I took a rapid antigen test on 16 December which was negative, and out of an abundance of caution, also took an official and approved PCR test on that same day.
“The next day I attended a tennis event in Belgrade to present awards to children and took a rapid antigen test before going to the event, and it was negative. I was asymptomatic and felt good, and I had not received the notification of a positive PCR test result until after that event.
“The next day, on 18 December I was at my tennis centre in Belgrade to fulfil a long- standing commitment for a L’Equipe interview and photo shoot. I cancelled all other events except for the L’Equipe interview. I felt obliged to go ahead and conduct the L’Equipe interview as I didn’t want to let the journalist down, but did ensure I socially distanced and wore a mask except when my photograph was being taken.
“While I went home after the interview to isolate for the required period, on reflection, this was an error of judgment and I accept that I should have rescheduled this commitment.
