Djokovic, who arrived in Melbourne with a medical exemption last week, had his visa canceled by the Australian Border Force. He was then housed in a facility meant for detainees while his lawyers appealed the decision in court. Djokovic won the case and had his visa reinstated. But this wasn’t the end of the saga.
Hawke exercised his “personal power” and repealed the Serb’s visa once again, forcing him to return to the courts for recourse. With his visa now annulled, Djokovic faces immediate deportation with a potential three-year ban from entering Australia.
In a brief statement right after the court’s ruling, the World No. 1 said he needed time to “rest and recuperate.”
He did, however, admit to being “extremely disappointed” with the court’s ruling and added that he would cooperate with the concerned authorities in regard to his departure from the country.
Djokovic, who would have been bidding for a record 21st Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park this year, revealed that he felt “uncomfortable” with how the focus had shifted to him over the past couple of weeks instead of the Australian Open, which begins tomorrow.
In conclusion, he thanked his family and supporters for their “continued support” since his arrival in Melbourne last week.
How does Novak Djokovic’s absence affect the Australian Open draw?
Defending champion Novak Djokovic, who would have been the top seed at the 2022 Australian Open, will be replaced by lucky loser and World No. 150, Salvatore Caruso. The Italian will take on Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanović in the first round tomorrow.
Djokovic’s absence leaves third seed Alexander Zverev as the highest-ranked player in the top half of the draw, which also includes former champion and fourth seed Rafael Nadal.
0 votes
