just posted:
13 Jan: Fox Sports: Aus Open draw: Djoker IN with dream Rd 1 but big doubts remain; danger for Barty
by Staff Writers from Fox Sports
Novak Djokovic was included in the Australian Open draw — despite a dramatic delay — on Thursday but his participation remains in serious doubt as the men’s field stands to be blown open if his visa is cancelled again.
World No.1 Djokovic was drawn to face countryman and Davis Cup teammate Miomir Kecmanovic in round one, in what could be considered the friendliest possible draw given the hostile treatment that is likely to greet him in Melbourne.
Djokovic remains in the field as the men’s No.1 as it stands, but his participation is far from guaranteed amid speculation his visa could again be cancelled by the Australian government, as early as Thursday...
There was high drama as the draw, scheduled to begin at 3pm AEDT was delayed “at short notice”, with no explanation yet as to why from organisers, prompting speculation an announcement could be imminent.
However Prime Minister Scott Morrison refused to comment on the issue at a press conference, with reports suggesting a decision had still not been made, with the rescheduled draw conducted a short time later...
The scenarios for the draw, depending on how the Djokovic situation plays out, are fascinating. He may yet be deported by the federal government for breaching border rules, or be permitted to stay in the country and play for his 10th Australian Open title.
If he stays and plays, he’ll be the tournament favourite - perhaps powered by spite.
However if Djokovic’s visa is revoked in the coming days it will force changes to the draw which will shake up the paths for many.
If the Serb withdraws, or is forcibly withdrawn via deportation, from the Australian Open after the draw is held, the No.5 seed (Andrey Rublev) will take his spot in the bracket...
Therefore if Djokovic is still in Australia this weekend, but ends up being forced to leave before Monday, it will completely open up the top section of the draw.
Should Djokovic get to play there are some big names awaiting him on the path to the final. he coulld meet Italian seventh seed Mario Berrettini in the quarter-finals, then possibly Alexander Zverev and 20-time slam champion Rafael Nadal.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/tennis/australian-open/australian-open-2022-draw-start-time-live-results-stream-when-is-it-seeds-who-plays-who-novak-djokovic/news-story/a84db078080319e337ecbf9f52a02c1a
13 Jan: The Age, Melbourne: Novak Djokovic visa saga LIVE updates: Immigration Minister to make visa decision on Serbian tennis star; 2022 Australian Open crowds to be ‘significantly’ capped
Closing out the blog
So, after another day of waiting, a decision on Novak Djokovic’s visa status is not expected to be made tonight, a federal source confirmed to The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.
That’s it from us on the live blog today, but we’ll keep you update if anything changes, and thanks for reading.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/tennis/novak-djokovic-visa-saga-live-updates-immigration-minister-to-make-visa-decision-on-serbian-tennis-star-20220113-p59nx7.html