World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic’s visa was cancelled by the Australian Border Force allegedly after authorities noticed a mistake on his application. 

Djokovic arrived in Melbourne on Wednesday morning and was due to play in the Australian Open, after being granted an exemption from strict COVID vaccine requirements. However, he was held at the airport after questions were raised about whether the Serbian tennis player had adequate documentation to back up his exemption.

“The ABF will continue to ensure that those who arrive at our border comply with our laws and entry requirements. The ABF can confirm that Mr Djokovic failed to provide appropriate evidence to meet the entry requirements to Australia, and his visa has been subsequently cancelled,” the Australian Border Force said in a statement. 

“Non-citizens who do not hold a valid visa on entry or who have had their visa cancelled will be detained and removed from Australia.”

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The 34-year-old will reportedly be flown out of Australia later on Thursday but his lawyers are expected to challenge the decision.

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Meanwhile, Serbia’s president has accused Australia of “maltreatment” of the player. 

“Just finished a phone conversation with Novak Djokovic. I told our Novak that the whole of Serbia is with him, and that our authorities are taking all measures to stop the harassment of the best tennis player in the world in the shortest possible period. In accordance with all norms of international public law, Serbia will fight for Novak Djokovic, for justice and truth,” President Aleksandar Vučić wrote on Instagram (Google translation showed).