The announcement by the Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to withdraw Novak Djokovic’s visa again has been a jug of cold water for the Serbian tennis player in the face of his options to play the Australian Open, which is now more in danger than ever for the winner of 20 Grand Slams. However, the Serbian is now exposed to a series of possible cases after this decision.
appeal or deportation
The first case is that Djokovic must appeal Alex Hawke’s decision if he wants to keep his options at the Australian Open, something that his lawyers will surely do. Not having done so could lead to the immediate deportation of the Serbian tennis player as he did not have his visa in order, so the same thing would happen to the Czech Renata Voracova, who had to leave the country for this reason. Djokovic’s lawyers hope that a speedy trial will be held so that a decision can be made no later than Sunday so that Djokovic can play from Monday at the Australian Open.
How it affects the Australian Open
At the moment Novak Djokovic continues in the Australian Open draw that was drawn this Thursday as the first seed in the men’s draw. However, if his deportation is confirmed due to the failure of his appeal before the start of the tournament, Djokovic’s withdrawal could have relevant consequences. Djokovic is on the side of the box of the Spanish Rafa Nadal, with whom he could cross in the semifinals if he finally plays. Instead of the Serbian, and according to the rules of the International Tennis Federation for the Grand Slams, it would be occupied by the fifth seed, Andrey Rublev. Instead of the Russian, Gael Monfils would enter the 17th. That is, if the order of play is not published, which can happen if the process takes longer. Then, a lucky loser (loser of the previous one) would enter in the place of the Serbian, which would greatly alter the draw.
Three year ban in Australia
Alex Hawke’s decision to withdraw Novak Djokovic’s visa may also affect the Serb in the long term if he wishes to return to Australia, as Djokovic could be sanctioned for three years without being able to set foot in the country, as reported by numerous Australian media. That would mean that ‘Nole’ could not play the Australian Open again until at least 2025, when the Serbian tennis player is already 37 years old.