While the draw for the Australian Open, scheduled for Thursday in Melbourne, had been delayed, the Australian Tennis Federation finally proceeded to the draw taking into account the participation of world number one Novak Djokovic, still threatened with expulsion from the country. If the Serbian gets permission to stay in the territory, he would face compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round of the Australian Open.
Unvaccinated against Covid, Novak Djokovic is awaiting a decision from the Australian Minister of Immigration, who has discretionary power to deport him. A court decision issued on Monday authorizes the title holder to remain in the country despite irregularities in the procedure for obtaining his visa.
Djokovic still threatened with deportation from Australia
The participation of the title holder Novak Djokovic is threatened by a possible expulsion from Australia. The 34-year-old Serb had availed himself on his arrival in Melbourne on January 5 of an exemption from vaccination against Covid-19 due to contamination in December. The immigration authorities, however, did not accept this explanation, canceled his visa and placed him in administrative detention pending deportation.
But a judge ruled in his favor on January 10 and ordered his immediate release. “Djoko” has been able to train since. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday the decision on Novak Djokovic’s visa had yet to be made.
Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke, however, said on Tuesday that he was considering canceling his visa again using his discretionary powers. Djokovic admitted on Wednesday that he did not respect the isolation rules in force in Serbia after his contamination, and incorrectly completed his entry form.
A 50% gauge for the public at the Australian Open
The capacity for the public at the Australian Open tennis tournament, which begins on Monday, will be limited to 50% due to an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations in the Melbourne area, a the government of the state of Victoria announced Thursday. “This updated rules for the Australian Open means that the public, players and staff can expect an extremely safe event,” State Tourism Minister Jaala Pulford said in a statement.