Novak Djokovic Being Investigated For Reportedly Lying On Australia Travel Form; To Face Jail?

The Serbian professional tennis player Novak Djokovic has the possibility of being jailed for reportedly lying on his travel form. Pictures prove him to be in two different countries before arriving in Australia on Jan. 5.

Djokovic is based in Monte Carlo, and he was filmed playing tennis in the streets of the Serbian capital Belgrade on Dec. 25. A picture was also shared, proving him to be in Belgrade with handball player Petar Djordjic the same day. However, the 34-year-old was also filmed training in Spain on Dec. 31, a group photo was seen on that exact date. Djokovic also played football in Marbella, Spain, with his brother Marko and a coach on Jan. 4. These dates happened to be within the 14-day period before he arrived in Melbourne, which is on Jan. 5.

In an evidence by Australian Travel Declaration, Djokovic confirmedly ticked the box claiming he had not traveled before his arrival. Australian Border Force officials are now investigating whether Djokovic lied on his visa forms.

The Home Affairs Department reminds that giving "false or misleading information" to the government is "a serious offence" carrying a possible jail term. A maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment could be given. Applicants are also warned on the form: "Note: Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence. You may also be liable to a civil penalty for giving false or misleading information."

Meanwhile, Djokovic stated that Tennis Australia completed the declaration on his behalf. However, the officer who canceled his visa noted that the sporting official would have facilitated and assisted that based on information the visa holder provided. In his sworn affidavit, Djokovic departed from Spain on Jan. 4 and had a stopover in Dubai before landing in Melbourne late on Jan 5.

Anti-vaxxer Djokovic returned to training in Melbourne Monday after officially being freed from detention after winning his visa court battle. He had a closed practice with his support team at Rod Laver Arena Tuesday.

Despite winning the legal battle, the nine-time Australian Open winner could still be kicked out of the country by the Australian government. The power of the country's immigration minister Alex Hawke could be used to revoke Djokovic's visa once again and order his removal from the country, which would also lead him to be banned for three years. Hawke could use "personal discretion" to move ahead with another cancellation.

However, the decision on whether Djokovic will be deported from Australia is still pending. A spokesman for Hawke stated that the minister required more time to evaluate the proof provided by the tennis star’s attorneys.

Meanwhile, Djokovic's dad, Srdjan Djokovic, has urged Queen Elizabeth to intervene in his son's visa issue to "protect the human rights" of the Australian Open winner.