Australian Border Force is looking into an issue that has arisen with Novak Djokovic's Australian Travel Declaration, according to reports.
Djokovic prompted mass outrage on Tuesday when he confirmed he is due to compete in the Australian Open later this month after being granted a medical exemption by tournament organisers.
Organisers confirmed last year that only players who were fully vaccinated - or medically exempt from being so - would be eligible to take part in the event.
Uncertainty over Djokovic's participation in the event reigned for months leading up to his Instagram post earlier this week which confirmed he intends to defend his crown.
"Happy New Year, everybody!" Djokovic wrote. "Wishing you all health, love, and happiness in every present moment and may you feel love & respect towards all beings on this wonderful planet.
"I’ve spent fantastic quality time with my loved ones over the break and today I’m heading Down Under with an exemption permission. Let’s go 2022!"
However, ABC News reports the Acting Australian Border Force Commissioner is examining an issue with Djokovic's Australian Travel Declaration, although it is not made clear what that issue is.
Meanwhile, Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said Djokovic's medical exemption from tournament organisers will mean nothing if he cannot provide valid proof on his arrival in Victoria that he cannot be vaccinated for legitimate reasons.
"We await his presentation and what evidence he provides us to support that," Mr Morrison said. "If that evidence is insufficient, then he won't be treated any different to anyone else, and he'll be on the next plane home.
"If medical exemptions have been provided by medical professionals and that has been furnished to him as a proviso for him to get on that plane, well, that will have to stack up when he arrives in Australia."
A statement issued by federal Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews also said: "No individual competing at the Australian Open will be afforded any special treatment.
"Quarantine requirements for international arrivals in Victoria, including for non-vaccinated individuals, are a matter for the Victorian Government.
"Since 15 December 2021 fully vaccinated eligible visa holders can travel to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption, and enter eligible states and territories quarantine free.
"If an arriving individual is not vaccinated, they must provide acceptable proof that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons to be able to access the same travel arrangement as fully vaccinated travellers.
"Australian Border Force will continue to ensure that those who arrive at our border comply with our strict border requirements."
How far will Novak Djokovic go in the Australian Open if he is allowed to compete? Let us know in the comments section.
Tournament director Craig Tiley rejected suggestions that Djokovic had been afforded special treatment due to his status as the world No.1 and a nine-time champion in Melbourne.
"If they didn't meet the guidelines, and there were many that didn't so therefore they were rejected, but if they met the guidelines including for example – which a lot of people forget – is one of those conditions is having COVID recently, in the past six months," Tiley said.
"Any person who met those conditions has been allowed to come in. There's been no special favour. There's been no special opportunity granted to Novak."
