Djokovic news LIVE: World No 1 waits on fresh decision over visa before
Tennis star Novak Djokovic was back on the tennis court in Melbourne
Novak Djokovic is preparing for the Australian Open at last, after days of uncertainty over him being allowed to enter the country – and even now there remains suggestions he has more questions to answer. Despite winning his appeal to have his visa application accepted, minister for immigration Alex Hawke is still considering the possibility of “a personal power of cancellation”, a move which could yet drag on for several days.
The men’s world number one has also now admitted he broke isolation and conducted an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe when he knew he was positive for the virus while it has also emerged that he could face up to five years in prison if he lied about his positive test.
He will face yet further questions, possibly from the Australian Border Force, over claims he misconstrued information on his travel declaration form, saying he had not travelled elsewhere before heading Down Under – despite photos emerging of him training in Spain just before the new year. Andy Murray has acknowledged Djokovic is likely to have to answer questions in public, too, after the isolation controversy, but hopes the Serbian can get back to focusing on tennis now.
Follow all the latest news and updates as Djokovic prepares for the Australian Open below.
Djokovic will play ‘even better’ against the crowds
Former player Andrew Castle says Novak Djokovic is “stubborn” and having the crowd against him at the Australian Open will make him play “even better”.
Djokovic won his appeal to stay in Australia on Monday after having his visa cancelled for not having sufficient evidence for his medical exemption. However, he could still be deported if Australia’s immigration minister Alex Hawke decides to re-cancel the visa in coming days.
The situation has many predicting crowds will be against him as he goes for a record 21st grand slam but Castle believes Djokovic will thrive in that environment.
“He’s such a stubborn and hard-working guy on court, if he gets this exemption and if the Australian government don’t supersede the court, I would say that he’s going to tee it up and play,” he told Sky.
“If he can get through two, three, four rounds, and play his way into the tournament – we know how good he is – I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him into the second week of this grand slam once again, because he is so stubborn and so good.
“When it’s time, and the bell rings, he’ll be ready to compete. Sometimes Novak can be even better when everyone is against him than when everyone is for him.”
Jamie Braidwood12 January 2022 19:57
Djokovic set to be included in Australian Open draw
Novak Djokovic is set to learn his first-round opponent as the Australian Open draw takes place on Thursday.
That could put further pressure on the Australian government to make their decision ahead of the draw, which is to be held at 3pm local time (4am GMT).
Djokovic, a nine-time Australian Open champion, has been handed the number one seed in the men’s draw.
While the chances are extremely slim, Djokovic could draw Andy Murray, who is an unseeded player after receiving a wildcard to the tournament.
Jamie Braidwood12 January 2022 19:37
Djokovic’s father declares: ‘Case closed’
While Novak Djokovic’s Australian Open future still hangs in the balance, his father believes it is already a shut case.
In his latest comments to Serbian media, Srdjan Djokovic declared: “The whole situation regarding Novak Djokovic is closed by the verdict of the Australian court.
“An Australian court and an independent judge, after seven hours of examining all the facts, determined that there are no ambiguities and that Novak is free to enter Australia and do his job.”
Djokovic is still awaiting the decision of the Australian immigration minister, who could exercise a personal power to cancel Djokovic’s visa.
Jamie Braidwood12 January 2022 19:14
When will Australian immigration minister decide Novak Djokovic’s fate?
The Serbian awaits the decision of Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke, who must weigh whether to revoke the 20-time Grand Slam winner’s visa.
It had been reported that a decision was due on Djokovic’s visa on Wednesday 12 January, but the day came and went without a ruling.
This means that Hawke will almost certainly decide on either Thursday 13 January or Friday 14 January. Djokovic has been named as the top seed ahead of the men’s draw, which takes place on Thursday.
Jamie Braidwood12 January 2022 18:48
Djokovic interview ‘deeply concerning’
Novak Djokovic has been criticised by the International Tennis Writers Association after he admitted to attending an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe while positive for Covid-19.
Djokovic made the admission in a statement earlier today. The world No…
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