AO2022 LIVE Updates – Novak Djokovic Disappointed: Novak Djokovic said on Sunday he was “extremely disappointed” by Australia’s decision to deport him but he would comply and leave the country. The development has shaken up the Australian Open draw on the eve of the tournament, handing a boost to his rivals and adding intrigue to the race for the Grand Slam titles record – Follow AUS Open LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN
Australian Open LIVE Updates: Novak Djokovic leaves Australia, ‘lucky loser’ Salvatore Caruso…
AO2022 LIVE Updates: Novak Djokovic says ‘extremely disappointed’, huge shake up in Australian Open DRAWS: Check Out
Novak Djokovic Disappointed: Hours earlier, three judges at the Federal Court had unanimously dismissed the unvaccinated Serbian superstar’s last-gasp attempt to overturn the government’s cancellation of his visa.
“I respect the Court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country,” the 34-year-old world number one said in a statement on the eve of the Australian Open.
AUS Open LIVE Updates: In an 11-day battle over his lack of a Covid-19 vaccine that captured global attention, the tennis ace had his visa cancelled at Melbourne airport, reinstated on a procedural issue and then cancelled again by the government.
He spent his first few nights in Australia at a notorious Melbourne detention centre, walked free to practice on the Australian Open’s courts for several days after he won back his visa, and then was returned into detention.
“I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this,” Djokovic said.
The defending Australian Open champion flew into Melbourne on January 5 hoping to win the title for a 10th time, in the process becoming the first men’s player in the history of the game to grab 21 Grand Slam titles.
“I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me and I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love,” said Djokovic, who had been scheduled to play Monday evening as the first seed.
“I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers and fans all the best for the tournament,” he said.
“Finally, I would like to thank my family, friends, team, supporters, fans and my fellow Serbians for your continued support. You have all been a great source of strength to me.”
Novak Djokovic’s court defeat to shake up Australian Open draw
AUS Open LIVE Updates – Australian Open Draws: A court decision to uphold the cancellation of Novak Djokovic’s visa on Sunday has shaken up the Australian Open draw on the eve of the tournament, handing a boost to his rivals and adding intrigue to the race for the Grand Slam titles record.
The world number one had been favourite to win a 10th title at Melbourne Park and claim a 21st Grand Slam crown but the Serb now faces being deported from Australia.
Russian second seed Daniil Medvedev will likely be the bookmakers’ favourite when the tournament begins on Monday, ahead of third seed Alexander Zverev.
Sixth seed Rafael Nadal, who shares the men’s Grand Slam record of 20 with Djokovic and the absent Roger Federer, could strike a blow in the major title race.
Nadal, the 2009 champion and a four-times finalist in Melbourne, would have had to face Djokovic in the semi-finals if the draw progressed according to seeding.
The top quarter of the draw has now been thrown wide open, with Djokovic set to be replaced by 150th-ranked ‘lucky loser’ Salvatore Caruso. Seventh-seeded Italian Matteo Berrettini is now the highest seed in that section.
Caruso will play Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic on Monday in the first round in place of Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic Disappointed: Rubbing salt into the wound, Djokovic’s withdrawal could also mean losing his world number one ranking if Medvedev or Zverev claim his title at Melbourne Park.
Longer term, Djokovic’s visa cancellation could further harm his chances of adding to his Grand Slam silverware, with the Australian government capable of imposing a three-year entry ban on the Serb.
His travel to other countries could also be affected, with most requiring visa applicants to disclose if they have ever been deported or had a visa rejected or cancelled
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