The Novak Djokovic Saga

This paper examines the events in early 2022 surrounding the arrival in Australia of the men’s world Number 1 tennis player Novak Djokovic and his subsequent forced departure without having had the opportunity to play in the Australian Open tennis tournament. The authors of this paper address, in chronological order, the facts and a summary of the legal issues that arose. The events that unfolded arose less as a result of the visa that had been granted to Mr. Djokovic and more as a result of the information and documents provided by him in relation to his medical exemption from the requirement for vaccination. This paper identifies the detention of Mr. Djokovic upon his arrival into Australia, the decision by Australian Border Force to cancel his visa, Mr. Djokovic’s successful first legal challenge, the decision by the Minister to exercise his personal discretion, and Mr. Djokovic’s unsuccessful second legal challenge. Finally, this paper examines the potential negative impacts that these events may have had, and may still have, on international tourism to Australia and its global reputation.

Novak Djokovic, Australia, tennis, vaccinations