Novak Djokovic: Australia still considering cancelling player’s visa and whether he had ‘acceptable proof’

The Australian prime minister, Scott Morrison, has suggested Novak Djokovic will not be allowed to stay in the country and contest the Australian Open unless he can substantiate a medical exemption allowing him to be unvaccinated against Covid.

Speaking before any formal decision by the immigration minister, Alex Hawke, Morrison on Thursday refused to comment directly on Djokovic's case, but said he expected authorities "to implement the policy of the government" to only allow fully vaccinated people or those with medical exemptions into Australia.

Djokovic received a visa on 18 November and arrived in Melbourne on 5 January with an exemption approved by Tennis Australia's chief medical officer and a Victorian government independent expert panel.

However, Djokovic was detained and his visa cancelled on the basis that a recent Covid infection by itself was not sufficient for an exemption from Australia's strict vaccination requirements.

Although Djokovic won a court battle on Monday to restore the visa, he faces a nervous wait as Hawke decides whether to exercise a separate power to again cancel it.

On Thursday, Morrison referred to a statement from Hawke on Wednesday that the immigration minister was still considering whether to cancel Djokovic's visa.

But the prime minister also said that people coming to Australia - such as working holiday-makers - must be double vaccinated to enter the country.