On 6 January 2022, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison denied that the cancellation of Novak Djokovic's visa was due to his nationality, stating that Serbia is a 'good friend of Australia'.
Mr Morrison made the comments after Djokovic's visa was revoked, citing concerns over the tennis star's medical exemption from vaccination requirements.
According to reports, Djokovic had been granted a medical exemption by Tennis Australia, but the Australian Border Force (ABF) had previously advised the organization on visa expectations.
Mr Morrison stated that contracting Covid in the past six months was not among federal criteria for a medical exemption.
As a result of the visa cancellation, Djokovic is now being held at a hotel in the Melbourne suburb of Carlton, which is used for immigration detention.
Supporters of Djokovic have expressed outrage at his treatment, with one woman, identified only as Jelena, stating that 'it's an international scandal and the world is watching.'
President Aleksandar Vucic of Serbia has also weighed in, stating that Djokovic is a victim of 'harassment' and that 'the whole of Serbia' supports him.
