Will Novak Djokovic play at the Australian Open? Latest news about tennis star’s visa decision
The world’s No. 1 male tennis player, Novak Djokovic, continues to draw attention to the state of affairs at the Australian Open 2022, a major tournament in which he has won nine times.
Djokovic has been candid about his thoughts on COVID-19 vaccination and although he has not confirmed his unvaccinated status, it is thought he remains unvaccinated. . Djokovic has been granted a medical exemption to travel to Australia, which currently has strict guidelines on fighting the virus. The Australian Open also has regulations that require players to be vaccinated to compete.
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However, after Djokovic arrived in Australia, he was denied entry to the country. He appealed his visa status and he won. He has been allowed entry and practice for the upcoming Grand Slam tournament, which begins on Monday, January 17.
However, Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke twice revoked Djokovic’s visa status, putting his ability to compete in doubt. Djokovic’s visa was revoked for a second time on Friday, and he is awaiting a hearing related to another appeal to try to stay in the country and compete at the tournament.
World No 1 Novak Djokovic is in the Australian Open draw right now, but can he stay?
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Will Novak Djokovic play at the Australian Open 2022?
Djokovic faces deportation again after his visa was revoked for a second time on Friday just days before the start of the Australian Open. He is expected to appeal the ruling and is scheduled to appear before immigration officials in Melbourne at 4pm ET Friday. Djokovic’s visa was reinstated on Monday after winning his first appeal.
Meanwhile, Djokovic remains the No. 1 seed of the Australian Open 2022. He will face fellow Serbian, Miomir Kecmanovic, in the first round of the tournament, which begins on Monday.
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What if Djokovic has to withdraw from the Australian Open?
If a decision on Djokovic’s visa status is made against the player, he will be deported from Australia and must leave the tournament.
Depending on when the decision comes will determine who will replace Djokovic in the tournament if he has to withdraw. The Australian Open pre-qualification tournament ends on Friday, January 14, and then the full competition order will be announced closer to Monday. If Djokovic withdraws before the game order is given, then No. 5 Andrey Rublev will take the place of Djokovic, according to the Grand Slam 2022 rule book.
If Monday’s schedule is announced before Djokovic retires, a “lucky loser” will take his place. These lucky losers are the players who lost in the qualifiers, but got the chance to compete in the tournament when the other players had to drop out.
And, finally, if Djokovic had started competing in the tournament before a decision was made on his visa status, his next opponent would advance to the next round.
