Djokovic case: no decision on the player’s visa

IWe will still have to wait to get to the bottom of it. In a press conference on Thursday, November 13, the Australian Immigration Minister said that no decision has yet been taken regarding Novak Djokovic’s visa. A few days ago, the ministry had let it be known that it was “thinking” of a possible cancellation of the player’s visa, which would be synonymous with his expulsion. Thursday, Scott Morrisson said that this position “has not changed”.

At the same time, the Serbian tennis player learned who he would play once morest in the first round of the Australian Open, in case he was allowed to take part. Novak Djokovic will therefore be up once morest his Serbian compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic, 78^e world, according to the draw made Thursday, on condition of not being expelled by then.

The Serbian, not vaccinated once morest Covid, 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.

READ ALSONovak Djokovic, a tennis player in the service of mysticism

In the meantime, the Serbian, in search of a 21^e Grand slam record trophy and a tenth in Melbourne, was maintained in the table with the number one seed. Tournament director and Australian Federation president Craig Tiley, one of the main players in the Djokovic fiasco, declined to answer reporters’ questions following the draw.

Djokovic might find in half one of his great rivals Rafael Nadal, down to 6^e world rank following a year 2021 interrupted by injury from August. The 35-year-old Spaniard is also aiming for a 21^e major title. At the bottom of the table, Daniil Medvedev (2^e world) will start once morest the Swiss Henri Laaksonen (92^e). The Russian, finalist last year, might find Stefanos Tsitsipas (4^e) in half. In the women’s draw, world number one Ashleigh Barty, in search of a first title in her National Major, might find defending champion Naomi Osaka (14^e) from the round of 16.