Court documents starting to drop. More background here behind the decision to cancel Novak Djokovic's visa for a second time. Some very interesting inclusions and frankly wider than I had initially thought it would be. fedcourt.gov.au/services/acces…
One section contains the immigration minister Alex Hawke's consideration that Djokovic's presence in Australia may lead to "an increased number of people deciding to not receive a booster vaccine" and "increased pressure [being] placed on the Australian health system".
One of Djokovic's arguments against the cancellation of his visa is that "Cancelling Mr Djokovic's visa would prejudice Australia's economic interests, and jeopardise the viability of Australia continuing to host the Australian Open".
The document is 268 pages long but I do thoroughly recommend you have a look through it. 48hrs before the Australian Open begins, it is remarkable how wide-ranging the arguments are from both sides on what is effectively a decision on whether a man can play in a tennis tournament
And, given the level of detail that is now out in the open, we've come a long way from this Craig Tiley quote on December 22...
This BBC article is included as one of the attachments referred to by the immigration minister Alex Hawke: bbc.com/news/world-598…
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Just in from the federal circuit court on Djokovic vs the Minister for Immigration: "A directions hearing will be conducted tonight at 8.45pm (Melbourne Time) before Judge Anthony Kelly of the FEDERAL CIRCUIT COURT."
This hearing will be shown on YouTube. Starts in 25 minutes!
I'm most looking forward to seeing the reaction of Judge Kelly after having his Friday night ruined...
BREAKING: Australian Open draw "cancelled until further notice"
Something afoot behind the scenes in the last few minutes here at Melbourne Park. The live stream had started shortly after 3pm but has now ended. No new time given for the draw.
To give a further indication of how the the draw was suddenly postponed at short notice, I asked a member of Tennis Australia staff outside the room at 2:58pm if there was going to be a delay and was told it was going ahead.