Tennis Australia has broken their silence for the first time since Novak Djokovic was deported from the country after his visa was cancelled.
The governing body, who is in charge of running the Australian Open, issued a statement on Tuesday saying ‘recent events have been a significant distraction’ and they ‘regret’ the impact it has had on players. However, they made no direct reference to Djokovic who has previously said that Tennis Australia had told him that he could enter the country due to a prior COVID-19 infection despite being unvaccinated.
Border force officials deemed that reason to be insufficient and refused Djokovic’s entry which led to a 11-day fiascothat featured two separate court appeals. The 20-time Grand Slam champion initially managed to overturn the decision to cancel his visa after the judge ruled the procedure conducted wasn’t appropriate. Following that, immigration minister Alexs Hawke used his executive power to cancel Djokovic’s visa for a second time and the legality that decision was upheld by the Federal court. Resulting in the tennis star being deported on Monday.
Despite the controversy and allegations of poor management by Australian Open CEO Craig Tiley, Tennis Australia has ‘commended’ him for his work.
“Tennis Australia has been working closely with both the Federal and Victorian government for the past year to deliver a COVID safe Australian Open for the players, staff, and fans,” a statement reads.
“Embarking on a major international sporting event during a global pandemic that continues to evolve and challenge us all, is profoundly demanding for all stakeholders.
“The board and member associations commend the Tennis Australia CEO and the entire Tennis Australia team for their hard work and dedication to delivering a spectacular summer of tennis.”
A review will be conducted into the build-up to the Australian Open but it appears that this will be a routine procedure and nothing any more substantial. Despite the controversy which has arisen following Djokovic’s visa controversy. Another player, Renata Voracova, was also deported from the country after it was deemed that her visa was not valid. Even though the Czech was in the country for a few days and played in a tournament. Voracova is now seeking compensation from Tennis Australia over the ordeal.
“There are always lessons to learn, and we will review all aspects of our preparation and implementation to inform our planning – as we do every year. That process always starts once the Australian Open champions have lifted their trophies,” the statement continues.
“Australia has a strong and proud tennis tradition, and it has been fantastic to see the crowds out cheering for the world’s best players in the lead up to and over the opening days of the Australian Open.
“We, like the players, and all tennis fans here and around the world, are keen for the focus to now be on the game we are all so passionate about.”
Tiley has not spoken publicly since Djokovic departed Australia as some are questioning the management of Tennis Australia. Former president Steve Healy has criticised the board’s silence over the matter and has called for clarity over what they knew about the controversy.
“Surely the board were aware of this? They should have been,” Healy told Nine. “It’s such a large reputational risk, not just in terms of the tournament but the relationship with government. If it’s just been run by management, I’d say, why weren’t the board involved?”
Tennis Australia says they respect the decision of the Immigration Minister and the finding of the Federal Court regarding Djokovic.
