Editorial | Djokovic deportation order fairly served
- Australia upheld the principle of equality before the law in the case of the tennis ace and underlined that those without Covid-19 jabs can expect to face greater restrictions
Tennis champion Novak Djokovic is famous for winning. But he suffered defeat in a court battle of a different kind this week. The unvaccinated sports star failed in his bid to play in the Australian Open after two legal rulings, an executive order and a spell in a detention centre. The extraordinary affair could and should have been avoided. But the outcome, which saw the tennis player deported, rightly upheld the principle of equality before the law. It was a response to public anger about celebrity exemptions from tough Covid rules.
Djokovic became caught up in domestic politics and misunderstandings about the rules. But he is not blameless. It emerged he had taken part in a media interview in Serbia the day after learning he had tested positive for Covid. The player also tendered an immigration declaration that wrongly claimed he had not travelled before flying to Australia. He blamed this “error of judgment” on an agent.
Australia ultimately upheld the principle that no one is above the rules. The decision may start a trend. Questions are being asked about whether Djokovic will be able to play in the French Open in May. France now requires all visitors to public facilities to have a vaccine pass. As the proportion of people vaccinated grows around the world, those who choose not to have the jab can expect to face greater restrictions. The rules need to be clear and apply equally to all, including celebrities.