New twist as Djokovic is investigated over ‘false claim' on his border entry form

OFFICIALS were today investigating whether Novak Djokovic made a false claim on his border entry form while a minister was still considering cancelling the tennis star’s visa.

- John Dunne

Djokovic won a court victory yesterday when his lawyers successfully argued that border officials had been “unreasonable” by not allowing him the opportunity to prove that he was allowed into the country to play in the Australian Open under a medical exemption.

However, in the latest twist to the saga, the Australian Border Force is now investigating if Djokovic incorrectly stated on his travel declaration form that he had not travelled in the 14 days prior to his flight there.

The claim appears to be contradicted by posts on social media, which suggest he was in Serbia on Christmas Day before flying from Spain to Australia on January 4. All travellers arriving in Australia are asked if they have “travelled or will travel in the 14 days prior to your flight to Australia”. They are warned: “Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence. You may also be liable to a civil penalty for giving false or misleading information, with the maximum penalty 12 months imprisonment.”