Topline
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has been drawn in the lineup for the Australian Open, which begins on Monday, despite uncertainty over whether he will be allowed to remain in the country as the Australian government weighs canceling his visa after disputing his medical exemption to the country’s strict Covid-19 vaccine requirements.
Novak Djokovic has been drawn in the Australian Open.
Key Facts
According to the lineup, Djokovic—the men’s tennis world number one, top seed for the contest and returning champion—is set to open against fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic.
Djokovic’s participation in the tournament is not guaranteed, however, and Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is still considering revoking the player’s visa.
Hawke is expected to announce a decision on Friday, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, which would likely force organizers to reshuffle the draw before the tournament begins on Monday.
Djokovic reportedly plans to immediately appeal any attempt to deport him, according to the SMH, citing a source close to the tennis champion, though the timing of Hawke’s decision could make a timely appeal difficult in light of the tournament’s scheduled start.
Key Background
Djokovic, who is not vaccinated against Covid-19, was temporarily barred from entering Australia last week after officials questioned whether a previous Covid infection counted as a valid medical exemption to the country’s stringent vaccination requirements. A court overturned the decision and granted the tennis player admission on grounds he was not given sufficient time to consult others on questions raised by border officials. After court documents revealed the time of Djokovic’s infection, the star admitted he knowingly took part in a newspaper interview and photoshoot while Covid positive in Serbia last month. He also admitted his agent did not declare his recent travel from Serbia to Spain on visa forms before his journey to Australia. If allowed to defend his title, Djokovic is in line to become the most successful male player in tennis history. He, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are tied with 20 Grand Slam titles each. Federer is not competing in the Australian Open and the current draw could see Djokovic face Nadal in the semi finals.
What To Watch For
Djokovic faces more than possible deportation in the matter, according to various media reports. The SMH reported that discrepancies in when Djokovic tested positive are being investigated by Home Affairs for giving false evidence. The maximum penalty is reportedly a five year prison sentence. The star could also face trouble for flouting Covid restrictions in his native Serbia, where those knowingly breaking isolation while infected reportedly face up to three years in prison.
Further Reading
Novak Djokovic Timeline: His Positive Covid Test, In-Person Events And Travel Documents Ahead Of Australian Open (Forbes)
Djokovic Attended Event With Young Tennis Players – Unmasked – A Day After Positive Covid Test (Forbes)
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Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthart/2022/01/13/novak-djokovic-drawn-in-australian-open-despite-looming-deportation-decision/