The Australian Border Force, the border police, is investigating whether Novak Djokovic made a false statement when, arriving in Australia on January 4, he filled out the travel declaration.
The Serb replied "no" to the question "Did you travel in the 14 days prior to your flight?". But the social networks nail him: photos and videos published in recent days show the number 1 tennis player in the world first in Belgrade at Christmas and then, on December 31st, to train in Marbella, Spain. From there he left for Australia, with a stopover in Dubai.
The form filled in by Nole warns that "providing false or misleading information is a serious crime". The team also revealed today a meeting on December 18 for the delivery of the champion award of the year, that is, two days after the molecular swab was performed, which would have been positive.
Judge Anthony Kellty yesterday reiterated the validity of the exemption and "released" the Serbian champion, who returned to training after being held for days in a migrant center.
But the last word belongs to the Minister of Immigration Alex Hawke, and the investigations by the Border Police on Djokovic's statements could be decisive in view of his decision, which is likely to be expected tomorrow.
"Minister Hawke is considering whether to cancel Djokovic's visa", reads a note from his spokesman in which it is emphasized that "in line with the principle of due process, the minister will examine the matter thoroughly".
The Serbian, who is aiming for the tenth success in Melbourne and the 21st Grand Slam which would be a record and would lead him to overtake Nadal and Federer, is registered as seeded number 1 at the Australian major. But his participation in the tournament is still under discussion.
(Unioneonline / L)
