Australia detained Novak Djokovic for a second time on Saturday, calling the tennis star a threat to public order and fighting in court to deport him.
Having once failed to remove the unvaccinated 34-year-old from the country, Australia’s conservative government is trying again. And again Djokovic is fighting back.
A federal court hearing is scheduled for Sunday and in the meantime, Djokovic was placed under guard at an undisclosed Melbourne location, believed to be his lawyers’ offices.
He is expected to spend Saturday night in immigration detention, after a few short-lived days of freedom following his first successful court appeal.
For millions around the world, the Serbian star is best known as a gangly all-conquering tennis champion, with a ferocious backhand and some questionable views on COVID-19.
Djokovic’s presence in Australia may foster anti-vaccination sentiment, immigration minister Alex Hawke argued, justifying his use of broad executive powers to revoke the ace’s visa.
Not only could Djokovic encourage people to flout health rules, Hawke said, but his presence could lead to ‘civil unrest’.
So with just two days before the Australian Open begins, the defending champion is again focused on law courts rather than center court.
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