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Novak Djokovic loses second Australian visa appeal
As the Australian Open got underway on Monday morning, Novak Djokovic was pictured landing in Dubai after the decision to cancel the nine-time champion’s visa was upheld by the federal court.
The failure of Djokovic’s appeal finally brought an end to the saga that has dominated the build-up to the year’s first grand slam. After spending four nights in a detention hotel in Melbourne following his dramatic detainment at the border, Djokovic was released on procedural grounds and immediately to the Rod Laver Arena to prepare to defend his title. However, on Sunday, Australia’s immigration minister used his discretionary power to dash Djokovic’s hopes and cancel his visa for a second time, claiming the 34-year-old’s presence “may be counterproductive to efforts at vaccination by others.”
Djokovic, who boarded a connecting flight to Belgrade on Monday, could now face a three-year ban from Australia. However, the prime minister, Scott Morrison, has moved to downplay the severity of that punishment, suggesting the ban could be altered under the “right circumstances” and would be reviewed in the future accordingly. A number of players, including Alize Cornet and Nick Kyrgios, have subsequently criticised Australia’s politicising of the saga, insisting that the treatment of Djokovic had been unfair after he arrived in the country with a medical exemption granted by the Victorian government.
Follow all the latest news, reaction and updates as the Australian Open finally got underway on Monday.
Australian Open 2022: Keys defeats Kenin in all-American contest
Madison Keys pulled off a 7-6 7-5 upset against fellow American and No 11 seed Sofia Kenin this morning.
Keys, who was once ranked as high as No 7 and reached the US Open final in 2017, won a warm-up event in Adelaide last week and continued that form on Monday as she looks to use the year’s first grand slam as a springboard towards old heights.
Tom Kershaw17 January 2022 10:14
Australian Open 2022: Zverev and Altmaier on serve
Alexander Zverev has not made the most convincing start to his first-round match against Daniel Altmaier. The first set is on serve at 3-2 but the world No 3 has already produced three double faults and won only three out of nine points on his second service.
Tom Kershaw17 January 2022 10:02
Djokovic could face French Open trouble
Ten days ago, France’s sports minister Roxana Maracineau seemed to quell doubts over Novak Djokovic’s participation at Roland Garros and cited a “health bubble” system that would be used for visiting athletes.
However, in a social media post on Sunday, Maracineau suggested that the government has now taken a harder stance that could throw Djokovic’s participation at the French Open into jeopardy.
“The vaccine pass has been adopted,” she wrote. “As soon as the law is promulgated, it will become compulsory to enter public buildings already subject to the health pass (stadium, theatre or lounge) for all spectators, practitioners, French or foreign professionals.”
Tom Kershaw17 January 2022 09:46
Australian Open 2022: Kokkinakis stumbles out
There was little joy for home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis on Monday. The Australian won his first ATP singles title only last week in Adelaide but came unstuck against German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann in the first round.
Another Australian hope is in action on Margaret Court Arena. John Millman took the first two sets against Spanish veteran Feliciano Lopez in commanding fashion but now finds himself a break down in the third.
Tom Kershaw17 January 2022 09:42
Australian Open 2022: Zverev next up on Rod Laver Arena
It’ll be Alexander Zverev, the world No 3 and Olympic champion, up next for the final match of the day on Rod Laver Arena. The German takes on his compatriot Daniel Altmaier in the first round.
Tom Kershaw17 January 2022 09:18
Australian Open 2022: Barty thrashes Tsurenko
Tsurenko saves two match points and spares herself the indignity of a whitewash. A sympathetic cheer goes up around the Rod Laver Arena. The Ukrainian has been on the wrong end of a ruthless Barty display.
The Australian world No 1 wastes little time in completing her 6-0 6-1 victory in the following service game.
Tom Kershaw17 January 2022 09:13
Australian Open 2022: Plain sailing for Barty
Ashleigh Barty could hardly have dreamed of a smoother start to her Australian Open campaign.
She leads 6-0 4-0 and the match can barely qualify as a contest. Tsurenko’s serve is far too timid and has been swatted away throughout with total nonchalance.
Barty will benefit from another kind draw in the second round, where she is set to face qualifier Lucia Bronzetti. The Italian is actually ranked 25 places below Tsurenko and is unlikely to pose a much greater test.
Tom Kershaw17 January 2022 09:02
Becker: Easiest things for Djokovic is to get vaccinated
Becker added that he believes the easiest thing for Djokovic to do remains to get the vaccine and fears the Serbian could otherwise face more issues at the grand slams going forwards.
“Australia is his favourite tournament, he has won it nine times,” Becked said. “He wanted to break the record of 21 [grand slam singles titles]. There was no better chance for him than to play in Melbourne. Now, this chance is taken away, so I think deep down, he will be very frustrated.
“It is the ultimate question [if he will get vaccinated]. Life would be easier for him and anyone else who gets vaccinated. I think we all are, but the world is divided and he is the most famous of the anti-vaxxers.
“I’m sure the French Open has watched this saga; I’m sure Wimbledon has watched it. Let’s see, but the government restrictions will be there in May and June, I’m sure. Let’s see what Novak does. The way out, the easiest thing for him, would be to get vaccinated.
“It is tough enough to win a tennis tournament. Now his struggle is to get the right documents in order to participate in one. It’s crazy the world we live in, but that is the way it is. I think we have all had two years to accept it, and there is no other choice.”
Tom Kershaw17 January 2022 08:57
Becker: No winners from Djokovic saga
Boris Becker is part of Eurosport’s team out in Melbourne and the six-time grand slam champion, who of course coached Novak Djokovic from 2014-2016, has been speaking about the government’s decision to deport the Serbian.
“I always had a bad feeling about this,” Becker said. “Any government is bigger than any individual. I was a bit surprised that the court ruled in his favour on Monday of last week, but obviously the government had the last word.
“I don’t think there are any winners. Djokovic obviously pays the highest price, but Tennis Australia did not look good; the Victorian government did not look good; the country of Australia did not look good. It is something I find sad to say because it has been one of the most hospitable countries for so long, so I’m a little bit confused about what is going on there. But ultimately, there are very strict vaccination rules and they have made the difference.”
Tom Kershaw17 January 2022 08:49
Australian Open 2022: Barty wins first set to love
It’s been a ruthless start by Ashleigh Barty, who wins the first set to love against Lesia Tsurenko in just 24 minutes.
The Ukrainian looks very out of her depth and has no answer to Barty’s precision and power.
Tom Kershaw17 January 2022 08:45