Friday, March 29

Will Novak Djokovic play at the Australian Open? Latest news on the tennis star’s visa decision



The world’s No. 1 men’s tennis player, Novak Djokovic, continues to make headlines regarding his playing status for the 2022 Australian Open, a Grand Slam tournament that he won nine times.

Djokovic has openly expressed his thoughts against the COVID-19 vaccine, and while he has not confirmed his unvaccinated status, it is assumed that he remains unvaccinated. Djokovic received a medical exemption to travel to Australia, which has strict guidelines at this time against the virus. The Australian Open also had rules that required players to get vaccinated in order to compete.

MORE: Novak Djokovic’s Vaccine Controversy Explained

However, after Djokovic arrived in Australia, he was denied access to the country. He appealed his visa status and won the appeal. He was allowed to enter the country and practice for the next Grand Slam tournament, which begins on Monday, January 17.

However, Australia’s Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is still reviewing Djokovic’s visa status before he can officially play. The announcement of the Australian Open draw was delayed 75 minutes and people suspected that this meant that Djokovic’s name would not be on the list. But to the surprise of many people, Djokovic is ranked No. 1 in the men’s singles chart.

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic’s name is in the Australian Open draw right now, but will he be able to stay?

MORE: 2022 Australian Open Draws

Will Novak Djokovic play at the 2022 Australian Open?

Djokovic’s state of play has yet to be determined, as the acceptance of his visa is currently under review. In the meantime, however, he is the No. 1 seed for the 2022 Australian Open. He faces fellow Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round of the tournament, which begins Monday.

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It is unclear when Immigration Minister Hawke will make a decision on the status of Djokovic’s visa. Djokovic’s visa was reinstated on Monday, so it will be a full week when the game starts. Hawke has not spoken publicly about any update on his decision.

MORE: Novak Djokovic Releases Statement Clearing ‘Misinformation’ About Australia Travel Controversy

What happens if Djokovic has to withdraw from the Australian Open?

If the decision on Djokovic’s visa status comes out against the player, he will be deported from Australia and will have to leave the tournament.

Depending on when the decision comes, it will be determined who will replace Djokovic in the tournament if he has to retire. The qualifying tournament before the Australian Open ends on Friday, January 14, and then the full order of play will be released closer to Monday. If Djokovic retires before the order of play is posted, No. 5 Andrey Rublev will take Djokovic’s place. according to the Grand Slam 2022 regulations.

If Monday’s schedule is released before Djokovic’s retirement, then a “lucky loser” will replace him. These lucky losers are players who lose in the qualifying rounds, but have a chance to play in the tournament when other players have to fold.

And finally, if Djokovic already starts playing in the tournament before the decision on his visa status is made, then his next competitor will simply move on to the next round.




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