January 26, (THEWILL) – Following his deportation from Australia, Novak Djokovic is expected to make a comeback by competing in the Dubai Tennis Championships next month.
As THEWILL reported, the world number one was stopped on arrival in Melbourne after Australian border officials refused to accept the grounds for the medical exemption that was meant to allow him to compete in the Australian Open despite being unvaccinated, in a controversy that engulfed the tennis world.
Before the verdict was overturned on appeal, Djokovic’s visa was cancelled, and Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used his ministerial prerogative to remove Djokovic’s visa on public interest grounds. The 34-year-old was compelled to leave Australia after a last-ditch legal battle failed. Since then, he has kept a quiet profile, but he has visited Serbia and Montenegro.
Djokovic will relinquish his Australian Open title without a fight, with Rafael Nadal among the tournament’s favourites. If Nadal wins, he will have 21 Grand Slam titles, one more than his opponent.
The Serb, on the other hand, is on the entry list for an ATP Tour event in Dubai, where he might make his first appearance on court after being denied a spot at Melbourne Park. Players do not need to be Covid-19 vaccinated to participate in the competition, and immunisation is not required for travel to the United Arab Emirates.
Djokovic has competed in the event on a regular basis and is a five-time champion in Dubai. With eight titles to his name, only Roger Federer has won it more frequently.
Djokovic’s refusal to get immunised, on the other hand, could jeopardise his chance to compete in the most prestigious tournaments in the long run.
Boris Becker, his former coach, has labelled his refusal to obtain the vaccine a “big mistake,” while Tim Henman, a former British No. 1 himself, remarked earlier this week: “It would seem very difficult for him to continue with his professional career if he’s not double vaccinated, it would seem that he’s going to be pretty limited with the countries that he can get into.
“I would emphasise, it’s absolutely his prerogative, whether any individual wants to get vaccinated or not is his or her decision, but certainly as a tennis fan and seeing what Djokovic has been able to achieve on the court, I very much hope we see him back competing soon.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
