A non-attendance by Djokovic, who, like the Spaniard Rafael Nadal, could have been the first player to win his 21 Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, could also have a lasting impact on the world rankings: if Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev win the tournament, the “Djoker” would lose the number one position in the ATP ranking.
Regardless of the outcome of the Melbourne saga, the rest of the tennis year will also be a challenge for Djokovic if he remains unvaccinated. It is at least not unlikely that other tennis organizers will follow Australia’s example and only allow vaccinated players.
Chronology of the Djokovic Cause
10th of December: The deadline for applying for an exemption to participate in the Australian Open is ending – for players who have not been vaccinated against the corona virus. Only fully vaccinated people are allowed to start.
December 16: The unvaccinated Djokovic attends a Serbian Post event in his home country. In the evening he finds out about his infection. The positive PCR result is in documents that his lawyers later submit to the Australian authorities. According to the rules in Serbia, CoV positives who do not have any severe symptoms must be isolated at home for 14 days.
December 17: Djokovic, who actually lives in Monaco, is a guest at an awards ceremony for young tennis players in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, without a mask or distance.
December 18: He has an interview with photo shoot for the French sports newspaper “L’Equipe”.
December 22: Djokovic did another test. Result according to own statements: negative.
30th of December: According to his lawyers, Djokovic will receive an exemption for the Australian Open from the head of medicine at the Australian Tennis Association.
New Year 2021/2022: Recordings on social networks show Djokovic in a tennis club in Marbella, Spain.
5 January: Djokovic travels to Australia. Because he does not present the necessary documents for a special permit from the point of view of the authorities, he is refused entry. He comes to a deportation hotel.
6 January: At a press conference in Belgrade, Djokovic’s father compared his son to Jesus Christ: “Jesus was crucified, everything was done to him and he endured and he still lives among us,” said Srdjan Djokovic. “Now they’re trying to crucify Novak in the same way and do everything to him.”
10 January: A court in Melbourne upholds Djokovic’s appeal and allows him to enter the country. He can move freely. A few hours later he is on the training ground.
January 11: It is revealed that Djokovic stated in his immigration form that he had not traveled in the 14 days before flying to Australia.
January 12: Djokovic speaks publicly on the subject for the first time and admits mistakes. Despite positive PCR tests, he attended an interview with the French sports newspaper “L’Equipe” on December 18, but the wrong information in the entry form was a “human error” on the part of his agent.
January 14: Djokovic’s visa is revoked for the second time. “Today I exercised my right to void Mr Novak Djokovic‘s visa,” Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said in a statement, “on the basis that it is in the public interest to do so. He did not take the decision lightly and carefully checked all the documents that the immigration authorities, the Australian border guards and Djokovic presented to him.
January 15: Djokovic is taken into custody again. A court hearing is scheduled for Sunday morning. Three judges are to make a final decision in Melbourne on whether the tennis superstar will remain or be deported.
