Explainer: What if Novak Djokovic is deported after the Australian Open draw?

Explainer: What if Novak Djokovic is deported after the Australian Open draw?

Novak Djokovic

Novak Djokovic entered Australia last week, and as soon as he landed in Melbourne, he was stopped by the Australian Border Forces. Being unvaccinated, Djokovic was allowed to play the Australian Open 2022 on medical exemption grounds.

However, he was informed that there was an error in relation to the documents submitted. His visa was cancelled and he was placed under hotel quarantine. However, on Monday, the court ruled in favor of the Serbian, and asked for him to be set free.

Although Novak Djokovic is still part of the Australian Open 2022 draw, question marks linger over his final participation. Minister of Immigration, Alex Hawke is thought to be reviewing the scenario, and a decision could be made soon. Novak Djokovic could be deported back to Serbia, and could also face five-year imprisonment for lying to the authorities.

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As things stand, Novak Djokovic is placed in the top half of the draw and is drawn in the same half as Alexander Zverev and Rafael Nadal. His first-round opponent is fellow Serbian, Miomir Kecmanovic who is regarded as a NextGen star.

Now, if Novak Djokovic is deported, then a lucky loser will replace the Serbian in the draw. However, it is Andrey Rublev who benefits, as the law book states that if the top seed pulls out, the fifth seed takes his place in the draw. Meanwhile, 17th seed, Gael Monfils will take up Andrey Rublev’s place in the draw.

If Novak Djokovic wins his first-round match and is deported later, then his later-round opponent will be handed a walk-over into the next round.

Novak Djokovic could appeal again if the Serbian is deported

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic with his 2021 Australian Open title

According to the Age, if a decision to deport the Serbian is announced, then he can again challenge the decision in the court. Djokovic’s lawyers are known to already be prepared if a second appeal has to be made after Alex Hawke’s key decision.

The appeal process could take place over the weekend, which means that unless there are very strong grounds for deportation, Novak Djokovic will once again win the hearing.

The Minister of Immigration has already delayed the decision regarding the Serbian’s case. A decision was expected on Wednesday, but there has been no update as of Thursday.

Also Read: ‘Just go home,’ Martina Navratilova gives brutally honest advice to Novak Djokovic amidst AO 2022 controversy