Novak Djokovic’s Loses Visa Appeal: Impact on Australian Open 2022 Draw

With all the drama going on surrounding the court case of Novak Djokovic, the schedule of the Australian Open 2022 is finally out. The order of play was on hold because everyone was waiting for the result of Djokovic’s hearing. All the players were also waiting for the schedule to come out. 

Finally, after a long battle, the verdict is out and the Serbian will get deported back to his country. As a result, Djokovic will no longer play in the Australian Open, which will disappoint many fans. However, the draw was made in such a way that the result of Djokovic’s court case will not have any effect on the order of play. 

Novak Djokovic is out as the day 1 schedule of the Australian Open changes

Without hearing the result of Novak Djokovic’s court case, the organizer decided to release the schedule of the Australian Open. Since the verdict is out, the World no.1 will no longer play Miomir Kecmanovic in the Rod Laver Arena. 

According to the Grand Slam rules, no other seeded player can take the Serb’s place now, after the release of the playing order. Instead, World No.150 Salvatore Caruso, the lucky loser, will take Djokovic’s place in the draw. 

Meanwhile, World no.6, Rafael Nadal will play against the American, Marcos Giron at the Rod Laver Arena at 2 pm AEDT. Number 3 seed, Alexander Zverev of Germany will begin his journey against his fellow countryman Daniel Altmaier at the Rod Laver Arena around 7 pm AEDT. 

On the Women’s side, no.1 seed Ashleigh Barty will play her first match at the Rod Laver Arena against Lesia Tsurenko at 7 pm AEDT. 4-time Grand Slam Winner and last year’s Australian Open champion, Naomi Osaka will play Camila Osorio during the day session at the Rod Laver Arena, before the Nadal match. 

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2020 Australian Open winner, the American Sofia Kenin, will face her fellow compatriot Madison Keys in the first-round match at the John Cain Arena. 

What’s next for Djokovic?

Not only the tennis world, but Australian Open organizers were waiting eagerly to hear the result of Djokovic’s case. The result will surely disappoint many tennis fans. Djokovic, himself feels really disappointed with the result of the hearing. 

He finally made a statement and said, “I am extremely disappointed with the ruling… I am uncomfortable that the focus of the past weeks has been on me… I would like to wish the players, tournament officials, staff, volunteers, and fans all the best for the tournament.”

More bad news for Novak, as he will not get the Australian visa for three more years. 

Did the judge make the right decision? Let us know in the comments. 

Read More: “Extremely Disappointed with the Ruling”: Novak Djokovic on Losing Visa Appeal at Australian Open 2022