By: Maya Kumar and Ananya Jain
Sports are arguably the most important aspect of a community, it is an opportunity for people to come together and appreciate the best of the best. It’s the pacifier of society, bringing together each and every person; regardless of who they are. Without sports, we as a society would lack the very foundation that brings us together. Novak Djokovic was simply fighting for his democratic and civil rights, in order to uphold such a crucial institution for the betterment of society. Without him and his brave efforts, we would not be able to come together as a community and connect.
Ok, now that we’ve gotten that out of the way let’s talk about how and why Djokovic’s actions were problematic. Aside from his entitlement, of course. As of now, Djokovic has been deported and been replaced in the Australian open by Salvatore Caruso. So, problem solved?
Not quite.
Djokovic’s anti-vaccine sentiment has opened up many important dialogues surrounding immigration, particularly on how harshly Australia has treated immigrants. 35 asylum seekers spent their days in the Park Hotel detention centre, despite never being formally charged with a crime. Some have been there for nine years and will continue to be there for the foreseeable future. The issue is that Djokovic has breached Australian protocol by being unvaccinated without medical exemption, but many of these immigrants have never been charged with a crime. So why are they the ones in detention centres?
Such undocumented immigrants have been told that they’re breaking the law, thus putting the people of Australia at risk. However, Djokovic has done this to a much greater extent, as Australia has strict guidelines put into place to protect its citizens. There have been reports of physical abuse as well as a lack of sanitation in regards to food. However, a few stories up, Djokovic lies ordering room service and is greeted with fluffy towels and bathrobes.
This highlights the unfair treatment that the rich and famous receive. Not to mention that before his trip to Australia, Djokovic interacted and mingled with other people at sporting events despite knowing that he tested positive for COVID. Djordie Djokovic, Novak Djokovic’s brother has stated that Novak, “has not endangered anyone’s life and has not committed any federal or legal offence." Except he did.
Broke quarantine while positive?
That’s endangering someone’s life.
Entered Australia without being vaccinated?
That’s a federal offence.
His anti-vax sentiment has also proved a problem for Australian authorities and encouraging young people to get vaccinated. The judges that cancelled his visa stated that “an iconic world tennis star may influence people of all ages [...] especially the young and impressionable to emulate him.” The Australian government wanted to set the precedent that there are no exceptions to such rules. They have been put in place for the general safety and wellbeing of the country, and to curb the influence Djokovic has had on younger Australian residents.
By setting a hardline stance, Australia is protecting the health of its citizens. With power and influence so often allowing people to get away with crimes, it is refreshing to see that Djokovic has been forced to swallow the bitter pill that no one is above the law.
As of now, we can only assume Djokovic has resorted to playing victim, embarrassed that his strategy off-court has been a massive: swing and a miss.
Sources:
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