The Australian government emphasizes Sunday that world tennis number one Novak Djokovic “is not vaccinated against COVID-19” and believes that his legal fight to stay in the country is doomed to failure, on the eve of the examination of his appeal.
In 13-page long conclusions made public on Sunday, before the hearing scheduled for Monday morning, Australian government lawyers highlight the fact that the Serbian champion is “not vaccinated”.
Djokovic, 34, had his visa canceled on arrival in Melbourne mid-week and has since been returned to a city detention center, the Park Hotel.
At a public hearing scheduled for Monday morning at 10:00 a.m. local time, Federal Judge Anthony Kelly is due to consider the appeal of the world number one, who made the trip to participate in the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season, which starts January 17th.
Hostile to vaccines, Djokovic obtained an exemption from compulsory vaccination to enter Australia on the grounds of a positive test for COVID-19 on December 16 in Serbia (after a first contamination in June 2020), according to his lawyers.
But, according to the Australian federal authorities’ vaccination exemption forms, a previous infection with COVID-19 is not a valid reason not to get vaccinated.
Djokovic also participated in several public events in the following days, without wearing a mask.
Unvaccinated people are more likely to infect others and therefore increase the workload of health systems, remind lawyers for the Australian government in their conclusions which will be examined on Monday.
Lawyers consulted by Australian Home Secretary Karen Andrews also reject the argument that Djokovic was not treated fairly by the customs officer who greeted him.
According to them, the Serb had all the time necessary to explain his case to the immigration officer at Melbourne airport and also had the time to contact his lawyers beforehand, contrary to his assertions.
“This visa application must be refused”, therefore plead the lawyers of the Australian government.