The Novak Djokovic story continues to unravel with new developments seemingly every day. Two days ago, the world's number one tennis player successfully appealed the denial of his visa and was allowed into Melbourne for the Australian Open.
The entire saga has created division on the issue, as Djokovic is unvaccinated and traveling across borders. Brooklyn Nets guard Patty Mills, who hails from Australia, shared his thoughts and pointed out what he perceives to be a double standard.
Mills was asked if he thought the rule of being vaccinated to enter Australia should apply to everyone, he responded with a specific critique, saying “Yeah. I won an Olympic medal and quarantined in a hotel for two weeks.”
Djokovic was initially given a medical exemption from Australia's COVID-19 vaccine mandate to play in the Australian Open. When he arrived in Melbourne, his visa was denied and he was forced to stay in a hotel for the weekend, waiting on the chance to appeal the decision.
After the reversal, Djokovic is now practicing for the tournament. However, the issue is not over. The country's immigration minister can overturn the judge's ruling. That would result in Djokovic being forced to leave the country and get banned for three years from re-entry.
It's possible that part of what Mills is referring to is the fact that Djokovic reportedly missed the deadline to submit his exemption request by six days. He also supposedly lied on the application about his travel before entering the country, according to the US Sun. If that is proven true, he could face jail time.
The story continues to twist and turn.
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