Novak Djokovic LIVE: Flight details confirmed as Serb to be deported from Australia

Djokovic: ‘This is going to get very messy’ says Matt de Groot

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The Novak Djokovic saga is finally over after the Serb lost his appeal to remain in Melbourne. In the early hours of Sunday morning UK time, judges rejected the nine-time Australian Open winner’s bid to overturn his visa being cancelled, and he now looks set to be deported by the end of the day.

The decision draws to an end what has been a dramatic and at times farcical procedure, with the process making headline news around the world.

It could get even worse for Djokovic, as he is expected to be banned from Down Under for up to three years.

And there will now be major question marks over whether or not he will compete in the other three Slams this season.

The reaction will continue to come, as the great and the good of tennis debate one of the biggest stories in the sport in living memory. 

Follow all the latest news from Express Sport right here…

KEY EVENTS

  • Game, Set, Match! Djokovic snub as Serb to be sent home following visa debacle06:50
  • Court is adjourned 03:34
  • Flight details confirmed

    According to Australian publication The Age, Djokovic will leave the country on a 10.30pm flight (11.30am UK time).

    He’ll be on an Emirates service to Dubai, before presumably travelling on to Serbia.

    Aussie PM speaks out

    Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has spoken out on the decision to deport Djokovic.

    And he said he ‘welcomes’ the verdict from the judges.

    “This cancellation decision was made on health, safety and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so,” Morrison said.

    “I welcome the decision to keep our borders strong and keep Australians safe.”

    READ MORE

    Three year ban expected

    Djokovic is expected to be banned from Australia for three years – meaning he may well never participate at Melbourne again.

    There are also now question marks over whether he will play at the other three Slams this season, with the US Open in particular in doubt.

    Djokovic will also have to pay the costs of his legal battle in Aus. 

    Players show support for Djok

    A number of tennis players have already shown their support for Djokovic after the decision.

    Alize Cornet tweeted: “I know too little to judge the situation. What I know is that Novak is always the first one to stand for the players. But none of us stood for him. Be strong.”

    Nick Kyrgios, meanwhile, simply tweeted an exasperated face emoji. 

    Djokovic speaks out

    Djokovic has made his first statement since the decision was announced.

    It began: “I’d like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today’s Court hearing. I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this.

    “I am extremely disappointed with the ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the  decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open.”

    READ MORE

    Morgan celebrates

    One man who certainly seems happy about the decision is former Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan.

    The celebrity has regularly expressed his disgust towards Djokovic throughout the saga.

    And he took to Twitter shortly after the Serb lost his appeal to tweet: “BREAKING: Covid rule cheat, immigration form liar, & anti-vaxxer icon Novak Djokovic loses final appeal against deportation & will be thrown out of Australia without being able to compete in Aus Open. Good.”

    READ MORE

    FULL STORY

    So the saga is finally over.

    Novak Djokovic looks set for the next flight home after losing the appeal against the cancellation of his visa.

    Get more details on the dramatic hearing RIGHT HERE

    Game, Set, Match! Djokovic snub as Serb to be sent home following visa debacle

    Djokovic has appeal dismissed, with costs. Orders will be published at a later date.

    The decision to dismiss his appeal was unanimous.

    Djokovic decision expected imminently

    We’ll be hearing a decision on Djokovic’s visa status in the next few minutes.

    Were strings pulled to speed up Djokovic hearing?

    Several legal commentators have questioned the speed at which the Djokovic case was handled. 

    Given the fact that immigration cases are notoriusly slow, the Serbs case has been processed surprisingly quickly.

    One legal expert, Brian Briggs said some ‘serious strings had been pulled’ to get the wheels of justice spinning.

    Order of play released – Djokovic on the card

    The order of play has now been released as a decision on Djokovic’s visa status remains undecided. 

    The current match line-up would see the Serbian tennis star play Kecmanovic in the Rod Laver arena during the night session (around 8am GMT).

    Australian open: Order of play to be released soon

    Despite starting tomorrow, the order of play for the Australian Open has not yet been released.

    Djokovic is expected to play Miomir Kecmanovic tomorrow, but should he not be allowed to play, Kecmanovic will instead play the fifth seed Andrey Rublev.

    The delay in publishing the order of play means television companies and players will have very little time to plan their schedules.

    However, the Australian open announced it would release the order of play shortly.

    In a tweet, the Australian Open wrote: “Monday’s order of play will be released at 4pm.”

    Court is adjourned

    Chief justice James Allsop says the court will now adjourn.

    He said the court won’t be able to give full reasons for any decision today.

    A decision is hoped to be reached later this afternoon. 

    He said: “What we would hope to do is to spend the afternoon hopefully, and perhaps the early evening, dealing with the arguments that have been put to the court, not with a view to delivering full reasons today, but with a view if possible as to reach a view as to the outcome of the matter and on one hypothesis, if it be relevant, Mr Lloyd, the individual basis for it.

    “We would hope to do that later in the afternoon.

    “So in a sense we’re not asking counsel and solicitors to stand down in their present positions as it were.

    “But we would hope to be in a position to indicate to the parties later in the afternoon what we propose to do.”

    Government lawyer claims no evidence Djokovic is anti-vaccine

    The governement’s lawyer has claimed there is “ample evidence” that Novak Djokovic is anti-vaccine based on his current vaccinatino status and his previous comments.

    Lawyer Stephen Lloyd said: “There only needs to be a skerrick of evidence [to show that] and not only are there multiple skerricks, there’s material substance to suggest that.”

    Mr Lloyd has reiterated that the risk assessment is based on public perception of the Serbian tennis star.

    Court is back in session

    The hearing has now resumed, with the government continuing to defend its court decision to re-cancel Djokovic’s visa. 

    Three judges are presiding over the hearing: Chief Justice James Allsop, Justice Anthony Besanko and Justice David O’Callaghan.

    Stephen Lloyd, acting for Immigration Minister Alex Hawke, has begun deliving his speech.

    A decision is expected in the next few hours.

    Court adjourns for an hour

    The hearing has now been adjourned for an hour. It will resume at approximately 2.30am UK time. 

    The government lawyer says he is around two-thirds of the way through his speaking notes.

    He suggests he may have another hour of talking before his submissions are concluded.

    That means a decision on deporting Djokovic may not come until closer to 4am or 5am in the UK. Strap in folks, there’s a lot of life left in this one.

    Go get yourselves a cuppa or two. You’ll need them!

    Lloyd dismisses Wood’s claims

    Chief Justice Allsop said it was clear “to anyone with common sense” that cancelling Djokovic’s visa would lead to discord.

    Lloyd insists it would be “surprising” if that was a reason for Djokovic to remain Down Under.

    He also says the Immigration Minister considered the consequences of both cancelling and not cancelling Djokovic’s visa, despite suggestions to the contrary from Djokovic’s lawyers earlier. 

    Lloyd says: “He’s done his best to consider the matters, alive to the fact (Djokovic’s) views weren’t sought. That suggests the minister tried to look at things broadly.”

    Still no break

    We’re approaching three hours in this hearing now – and so much for that 1am lunch break!

    What must Djokovic currently be thinking? He is supposed to be playing Miomir Kecmanovic tomorrow (Monday).

    Still looks like it could be a few hours before we find out whether he’ll be taking to the court or whether he’ll be on a plane back to Serbia.

    Government lawyer on Djokovic and anti-vaxxers

    The government lawyer is now arguing that Djokovic’s influence is “not limited to existing anti-vaccination groups”.

    It’s said that because Djokovic is a “a high profile person who is in many respects a role model for many people” that means his presence “would present more strongly to Australians his anti-vaccination views.”

    Lloyd adds: “People use high-level athletes to promote ideas and causes all the time…his connection to a cause, whether he wants it or not, is still present.”

    It’s also stated there Djokovic has some recent history of “ignoring COVID safety measures”.

    Djokovic called out

    Lloyd has now called out Djokovic for not giving evidence at today’s hearing.

    He argues that the Serb could have made clear his views on the vaccine if he had wanted to.

    “Mr Djokovic has chosen not to go into evidence in this proceeding,” Lloyd tells the court.

    “He plainly could. And he could set the record straight, if it needed correcting.

    “But he has not and that has important consequences.”

    Lloyd on Djokovic not being jabbed

    Lloyd is refuting claims from Djokovic’s legal team that there is not sufficient proof to say the Serb is opposed to being vaccinated.

    He says: “It’s not just the applicant’s public statements that he is opposed to vaccination, it is the fact of his ongoing non-vaccinated status… at this stage of the pandemic.

    “It is open to infer that a person in the applicant’s position could have been vaccinated if he had wanted to be.”

    Lloyd notes that even before vaccines were available, Djokovic’s position was to “be against them”.

    He continues: “Sure he left open the possibility that he might change his mind. But nevertheless his publicly stated position was that he was not in favour of taking vaccines.”

    Government’s submissions

    Barrister Stephen Lloyd is now making submissions on behalf of Alex Hawke. 

    Lloyd notes, as Chief Justice Allsop previously suggested, the Minister is entitled to rely on his common sense when cancelling a visa.

    It does not just have to be material evidence that is later used before a court.

    Djokovic’s counsel finished

    Djokovic’s counsel has finished its submissions. Now over to the government.

    Chief Justice Allsop has advised that the court will take a break in half-an-hour (1am UK).

    Two hours in

    We’re nearly two hours in now and Djokovic’s lawyer has just said that he hopes to wrap up his arguments in 15 minutes or so.

    At the start of proceedings, Chief Justice James Allsop had hoped to conclude by lunchtime (1am UK time).

    We’ll see if they manage that.

    Djokovic fans gather

    The Age report that a group of around 20 fans waving Serbian flags have gathered outside the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia in Melbourne.

    He may be far from home – but Djokovic has still got plenty of support Down Under.

    There was also a fan earlier outside the legal offices in which Djokovic is thought to be watching this hearing.

    Djokovic’s lawyers promise to speed things up

    It would certainly be appreciated.

    Djokovic’s counsel still stating case

    Djokovic is thought to be watching these proceedings from his lawyers’ offices and it’s probably not the most exciting live stream he’s ever watched. 

    Let’s hope he’s at least got plenty of refreshments on offer to keep him going…

    We won’t blame you if you stick on Netflix for a bit, Novak.

    Djokovic is thought to be watching these proceedings from his lawyers’ offices and it’s probably not the most exciting live stream he’s ever watched. 

    Let’s hope he’s at least got plenty of refreshments on offer to keep him going…

    We won’t blame you if you stick on Netflix for a bit, Novak.

    Wood insists no evidence over anti-vax claims

    Wood has once again shut down suggestions Djokovic remaining in Australia will spark civil unrest.

    He says of Hawke: “The Minister is not permitted to cancel a visa based on an evidence-free figment of his imagination.”

    Adria Tour discussed

    Djokovic’s lawyers are now discussing the controversial Adria Tour, an event organised by the Serb in June 2020.

    It was due to be held in Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina between June 12 and July 5 but had to be cancelled on June 22 after Grigor Dimitrov tested positive for Covid.

    There was limited social distancing at the event despite the severity of the pandemic.

    Djokovic’s legal team say he didn’t “endorse” any of the failures in social distancing at that event that led to the multiple positive cases.

    Wood SC on anti-vax claims

    Wood denies suggestions by Hawke that Djokovic playing in the Australian Open will inflame anti-vax sentiments in Australia.

    He says “the only evidence” of “anti-vax group anger and agitation” comes from the government’s intention to cancel Djokovic’s visa and deport the reigning Melbourne champion.

    Djokovic’s lawyer is also arguing that Djokovic’s presence has never led to anti-vax protests at other tournaments.

    Wood says there is “not a single line of evidence” Djokovic being at the Grand Slam will foster anti-vax sentiment.

    He adds: “Mr Djokovic is a well-known public figure competing at tournaments with the media throughout.

    “If there is any foundation for thinking … a tennis tournament might lead to anti-vax sentiment, one expects it to be supported by the evidence about anti-vax protests or rallies or the like at tennis events or grounds or surrounds.

    “There is nothing of any kind like that identified by the Minister.”

    Plenty watching live

    The live stream for Djokovic’s court case currently has over 75,000 live viewers on YouTube.

    Find out how you can watch both sides present their arguments live here.

    We’re currently still hearing from Wood on behalf of his client Djokovic.

    Wood responds to Hawke’s use of BBC article

    As part of Hawke’s reasoning for cancelling Djokovic’s visa, he cited a BBC article as evidence that the world No 1 is opposed to vaccination.

    Wood however insists Hawke ignored parts of the article.

    The piece also quotes Djokovic as saying he is “no expert”, wants to “keep an open mind” and wants to “choose an option that is best for my body”.

    Hawke referenced none of those and Wood also talks about how the Minister did not speak to Djokovic about his current attitudes towards the vaccine.

    It is heard by the court that Djokovic’s previous statements, the ones cited by Hawke, were made before the Covid vaccine was developed.

    Djokovic’s lawyers speaking

    Djokovic’s counsel Nicholas Wood SC is currently presenting the Serb’s submissions on his behalf.

    Those are the points we raised early today – except they’re of course a lot wordier when presented in court.

    At the moment they are discussing Alex Hawke’s claims that Djokovic may incite anti-vax sentiments if he stays in the country.

    Wood says: “We contend the Minister [Mr Hawke] did not consider the obvious alternative scenario… the possibility that [Mr Djokovic’s] visa might be cancelled, [he is] expelled from the country and impaired in his career generally… it’s quite obvious that in itself may generate anti-vax sentiment.”

    Djokovic could face three-year Australia ban

    Don’t forget – Djokovic losing his appeal could mean a three-year ban from Australia.

    People who unsuccessfully apply for an Australian visa are usually banned from a second attempt for that span of time.

    Whether Djokovic will be exempt from such a ruling remains to be seen.

    That will only become a problem if the court rule against the Serb here.

    Decision by lunchtime?

    Chief Justice James Allsop has stressed that while the court is not setting a deadline, he hopes proceedings can be wrapped up by lunchtime.

    It is 9.45am over in Melbourne presently. That would mean both sides have made their argument by 1am UK time.

    All in all, they don’t want to mess around here. They want to make a decision nice and quickly with the Australian Open beginning Monday.

    Hawke’s defence

    Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s submissions have also been released. 

    He says that it was “clearly open” to him that Djokovic is personally opposed to getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

    Hawke also adds there is “ample evidence” his presence in Australia could lead to a rise anti-vaccination sentiment.

    Djokovic’s legal team are set to argue that Hawke’s decision failed to consider the consequences of cancellation.

    Hawke’s submissions say in response, however: “There is insufficient basis for the court to make this finding.”

    And responding to Djokovic’s argument that Hawke did not consult his view on vaccination, the Minister says…

    “What Mr Djokovic could have said to the Minister in response to a question about his stance on vaccination would not have altered the fact of his previous public statements and the views of those in the Australian community as to what his views on vaccination were.”

    Hearing underway

    Djokovic’s hearing is officially underway.

    Updates to follow.

    Djokovic’s arguments

    Novak Djokovic’s submissions will argue three main points against Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s decision.

    They argue that Hawke…

    They will say that Mr Hawke should have made an “obvious, critical, and easy inquiry” to Djokovic to find out “what his sentiment in fact was”.

    A quick recap

    So just to recap…

    Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke decided to revoke Djokovic’s visa a second time because he feels the Serb staying in the country may provoke “civil unrest”.

    But Djokovic’s lawyers tonight plan to challenge the suggestion he could spark a rise in anti-vaccination sentiment Down Under.

    They believe it is unreasonable to suggest Djokovic is a threat to public health in Australia and will say Hawke surmised about the player’s views on Covid vaccination without actually consulting the world No 1.  

    Chief Justice James Allsop, Justice Anthony Besanko and Justice David O’Callaghan will be the three judges for the case.

    Not long now

    We’re getting closer to a final ruling on whether or not Djokovic will be allowed to stay in Australia.

    60-minute countdown

    Less than an hour now until Djokovic’s case is heard in the federal court.

    Will the Serb be deported or will he be granted permission to play in the Australian Open?

    Either way, there’ll be plenty to more to talk about on Novak over the coming days, whether he’s playing in Melbourne or watching back in Serbia.

    Tennis pros weigh in on Novak

    Some contrasting opinions across the rest of the ATP Tour on Djokovic’s current situation…

    Serbian PM fuming

    Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic has put pressure on Australia to reinstate Djokovic’s visa again, claiming they are “harassing” his countryman.

    He said: “If you wanted to forbid Novak Djokovic to win the [Australian Open]  trophy for the 10th time, why didn’t you return him immediately, why didn’t you tell him that it was impossible to get a visa?

    “Why do you harass him, why do you mistreat him, as well as his family and [a] nation that is free and proud?

    “A president of a small country has appeared who has the courage to say that to one great prime minister of a large country — I can because I’m telling the truth and you know I’m telling the truth.”

    Djokovic appeal live stream

    Djokovic’s hearing will also be live streamed once again.

    You can find details below.

    Djokovic’s legal argument emerges

    The argument that Novak Djokovic’s lawyers will put to the court to have his Australian visa unrevoked again has emerged.

    The Daily Mail say the Serb’s legal team will argue Immigration Minister Alex Hawke’s claims that the tennis icon has a “well-known stance on vaccination”.

    They will say there is no legal basis for Hawke to make that decision and also state that the Australian government made no attempt to seek Djokovic’s current view on Covid vaccinations.

    His previous sentiments about getting the jab, with the world No 1 appearing opposed to doing so, came in 2020.

    Djokovic’s people will argue that there is no evidence that the player remaining in Australia will rile up the anti-vax community.

    Instead, they think deporting Djokovic would spark more of a backlash from those against vaccination.

    Djokovic hearing tonight

    A reminder that Djokovic’s hearing will take place at 10.30pm tonight (UK time).

    Express Sport will provide updates of the proceedings as the Serb appeals the re-cancellation of his visa.

    Djokovic’s lawyers called Alex Hawke’s judgement to cancel his visa a second time “irrational”.

    Justice David O’Callaghan will decide the world No 1’s fate later today, with Djokovic hoping to face fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic in the first round of the Australian Open.

    Medvedev questions Djokovic decision

    Daniil Medvedev believes Novak Djokovic should be allowed to play the Australian Open next week.

    The Russian world No 2 said, per Russia Today: “I want to say about Novak’s situation that we’re in Australia, it’s their rules.

    “But from what I know, again, if he has a valid exemption to be in this country and to do what he wants, then he should play.

    “If the exemption is not valid or something else is not valid – well, any country can deny your entry.

    “I know yesterday the Prime Minister [Scott Morrison], let’s say, said no. I didn’t really read anywhere why.

    “That’s what interests me to know, the reason. Is it just he said, ‘I don’t want [Djokovic in the country]’? Is there a real legal reason behind this?”

    Djokovic responds to Kyrgios

    Nick Kyrgios has revealed Novak Djokovic has thanked him for his support over the past week.

    The Australian has vocally supported the Serb’s cause to play the Australian Open.

    Speaking on his podcast, Kyrgios said: “Novak has reached out to me personally over Instagram to say thank you for standing up for him, I was not the one he was expecting to go out in the media and have his back.

    “I think he’s obviously feeling quite alienated in all of this and as a human it’s a dangerous place to be when you feel like the world is against you and you can’t do anything right and all he wants to do is come here and play tennis.

    “I think on a human level he needs some support from other tennis players.”

    READ MORE HERE

    Time to have your say

    With the start of the Australian Open just two days away, it’s time for you to have your say on the big issues.

    Who will win? How will the Brits do? Who is the youngster we should watch out for?

    Have your say by voting in our poll below…

    Fish defends Djok

    Ex-USA player Mardy Fish has expressed his sympathy to Djokovic – and thinks he is being used as a ‘political pawn’.

    The former American No.1 took to Twitter to write: “I joke a lot on here, but what’s going on with @DjokerNole right now seems ridiculous.

    “Using him as a political pawn. Save the vax’d and unvaxd comments. Dude is a human being.”

    Muguruza hits out at Djok again

    Garbine Muguruza has again failed to show sympathy to Djokovic over his current plight.

    The women’s world number 3 said: “I think it’s taking a long time. We all want to move on focus on the cool aspect of starting a Slam.

    “All this could have been avoided by getting vaccinated like we’ve all done. Everybody knew the rules and you just have to follow them. I don’t think it’s that difficult.”

    Australian Labor leader slams Djokovic debacle

    Novak Djokovic’s ongoing visa saga has been slammed by the Australian Labor leader, labelling the “debacle” as “characteristic” of the Scott Morrison government. 

    Antony Albanese said it was typical of Mr Morrison’s government particularly as the Liberal Prime Minister claims to lead an administration that “takes borders seriously”.

    He said: “First they said somehow it wasn’t their responsibility the fact that the Australian government issued a visa. And this could have all been avoided.

    “This government says it takes borders seriously and the issue of visas seriously.”

    READ MORE

    Kyrgios blasts Nadal

    Nick Kyrgios has hit out at Rafael Nadal for failing to support Djokovic publicly.

    The Spaniard had hinted that he thinks Djokovic should be deported when speaking earlier this week.

    But Kyrgios shot back: “On a human level, he needs support from other players.

    “[Stefanos] Tsitispas, I get you have your views on vaccination. [Andy] Murray, we can always count to say the right thing, Nadal whatever… But bro, where is your support for the guy?”

    READ MORE

    Murray defeated

    Away from Djokovic, Andy Murray suffered disappointment in his first ATP Tour final since 2019 after he was defeated 6-3 6-3 by an impressive Aslan Karatsev in the Sydney Classic.

    In front of a passionate crowd who were clearly behind the Scot, Murray was unable to find his very best form as he was soundly beaten by Karatsev. 

    READ MORE

    Djokovic one of 3 in top 100 not vaccinated

    Novak Djokovic is one of just three players inside the ATP’s top 100 who have not been vaccinated. 

    The ATP released a statement earlier this week revealing how many of their top stars have received the jab.

    t reads: “ATP continues to strongly recommend vaccination for all players on the ATP Tour, which we believe is essential for our sport to navigate the pandemic.

    “This is based on scientific evidence supporting the health benefits provided and to comply with global travel regulations, which we anticipate will become stricter over time.

    “We are encouraged that 97 percent of the Top 100 players are vaccinated leading into this year’s Australian Open.”

    READ MORE

    Hawke warns of ‘civil unrest’

    Novak Djokovic’s lawyers continue to argue that his visa has not been cancelled over the health risk he posed but rather because of how he may be perceived by anti-vaxxers in the country. 

    According to Immigration Minister, Alex Hawke, Djokovic’s presence in Australia could lead to “civil unrest”.

    He said: “I consider that Mr Djokovic’s ongoing presence in Australia may lead to an increase in anti-vaccination sentiment generated in the Australian community, potentially leading to an increase in civil unrest of the kind previously experienced in Australia with rallies and protests which may themselves be a source of community transmission.”

    READ MORE

    Legal team given boost

    Djokovic’s team have been handed a minor boost ahead of tonight’s all-important hearing.

    It has been confirmed that the hearing will take place in front of a full court of three judges.

    This means that the Australian government are limited in their ability to appeal the final decision if it does not go the way they want. 

    Becker backs Nadal for glory

    Rafael Nadal has every chance of winning this year’s Australian Open regardless of whether or not Novak Djokovic takes part in the tournament, according to Boris Becker.

    The Spaniard is among the early favourites to clinch the title in Melbourne, with his long-time rival Djokovic also widely tipped to impress if he is allowed to compete amid the ongoing controversy over the cancellation of his visa.

    Becker said: “As long as Rafael Nadal plays tennis and gets the chance, he is never a dark horse for me, but always one of the tournament favourites.

    “I think that in the back of his mind he just wants to win [the French Open] again. But he has to play tournaments first, preferably a Grand Slam.”

    READ MORE

    Nadal’s frustrated response

    Rafael Nadal appears to have had enough of Djokovic questions judging by his response to a reporter on Saturday.

    Asked about the situation, he replied: “The Australian Open is much more important than any player. If he’s playing finally, okay. If he’s not playing, the Australian Open will be a great Australian Open with or without him. That’s my point of view.

    “Honestly I’m a little bit tired of the situation because I just believe that it’s important to talk about our sport, about tennis.”

    READ MORE

    Zverev launches strong defence

    Unlike many, Alexander Zverev appears to be on Djokovic’s side, and has launched a staunch defence of the player.

    The German world number 3 said: “Don’t question his legacy because of this. He is one of the GOATs.

    “The Australian government should have been clear beforehand on what was going to happen. It’s not very fair for a person to come here and not be able to play.”

    READ MORE

    Raducanu’s view

    Emma Raducanu has claimed that the Novak Djokovic affair has taken the spotlight from Andy Murray reaching his first ATP Tour final since 2019.

    The build-up to the first Grand Slam of the year has been overshadowed by the visa drama surrounding the world No.1.

    And the British No.1 said: “I feel like the situation has taken away a little bit from the great tennis that’s been happening over this summer in Australia.

    “For example, Andy Murray, he’s in the final tonight, which I think is pretty incredible. To see him come back and win and play so well, definitely rooting for him later on.”

    READ MORE

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