"It's a show that doesn't benefit tennis at all"- Garbine Muguruza on Novak Djokovic's visa controversy
Former World No. 1 Garbine Muguruza said Novak Djokovic's visa controversy doesn't "benefit tennis at all".
Highlighting the fact that she is "vaccinated," the Spaniard emphasized that she doesn't understand why the Serb has to enter the tournament "differently".
The Serbian had applied for and received a medical exemption to compete at the Australian Open. But upon his arrival in Melbourne, he was detained by the Border Forces and his visa was subsequently revoked. In his immigration interview, Djokovic revealed that he has not been vaccinated against COVID-19.
The World No. 1's lawyers filed an injunction in court challenging the cancelation of his visa.
The Serb won the legal battle in court on Monday after Judge Anthony Kelly quashed his visa cancelation. The judge also ordered his release from immigration detention immediately, clearing the way for him to compete at the 2022 Australian Open.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic wins court battle to stay in Australia and defend his Grand Slam title, after vaccine exemption row
bbc.in/3HStiK6
In a press conference ahead of the 2022 Sydney Tennis Classic, Garbine Muguruza spoke about Djokovic's visa debacle. The two-time Grand Slam winner stated that since everybody has to get "vaccinated sooner or later", she fails to understand why there is so much "controversy".
🏻 bit.ly/3n8Ol3m
La polémica de Djokovic no le beneficia a nadie en el mundo del tenis 🤷🏻♀️
Así lo remarcó Garbiñe Muguruza 🗣️
Todo lo que dijo 👉🏻 bit.ly/3n8Ol3m https://t.co/WWsZAhBtzB
The Spaniard also declared that she has no problem in openly admitting that she is completely vaccinated.
"Sooner or later we all have to get vaccinated so I don't know why so much controversy, it's (Djokovic's) a show that doesn't benefit tennis at all," said Muguruza.
“I am vaccinated and I have no problem saying it. The truth is to get into a little dangerous grass, but I am vaccinated and happy to do it, I don't see why you have to do it differently," added the Spanish player.
Novak Djokovic's visa row continues despite win in court
Despite winning the battle in court, problems still persist for Djokovic. If the Immigration Minister of the Australian government Alex Hawke, exercises his power under Section 133C(3) of the Immigration Act, he can ban the 20-time Grand Slam champion from entering Australia for the next three years.
However, Hawke will not be making this decision today, allowing the 20-time Grand Slam champion to be a free man in Australia for the time being. The final call will be taken by the Australian minister tomorrow, meaning the Serb will not face deportation on Monday.
Novak Djokovic will be a free man tonight
Govt wont make decision to deport him tonight per @Gallo_Ways
Immigration Minister had 4h to cancel before he was freed from detention
Decision to cancel can still be made but will be tomorrow or in days after
theage.com.au/sport/tennis/n…
Currently enjoying a 21-match winning streak in Melbourne, the Serb will aim for a record 10th title at the Australian Open this month if he plays.