Australian Open 2022: What’s next for Novak Djokovic after visa cancellation?

Novak Djokovic’s visa woes continue, after initially being detained by Australian authorities when the Serbian tennis pro arrived to participate in the Australian Open. However, a federal court judge had reinstated Djokovic’s visa, but government lawyers warned Djokovic that the Minister of Immigration Alex Hawke, could still cancel his visa.

Now, after a few days of deliberation Hawke has decided to do just that, and as per the law, this could prevent Djokovic from obtaining an Australian visa for the next three years, potentially keeping him from playing Australian Open tournaments through 2025. 

Djokovic swaps fight in tennis courts for legal courts 

The only way to contest the minister’s decision is to take the matter to court. Djokovic’s lawyers were informed 20 minutes ahead of the media announcement, and they have already taken up the issue. Since it could be transferred to federal court from the federal circuit court, there are some concerns about whether a decision will be reached in time to allow the Serb to play in the Australian Open 2022. 

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For now, Djokovic won’t be detained by immigration officials, as confirmed by Nicholas Wood SC. Further, he won’t be deported until a final decision is made. However, he is to be detained eventually and will be brought into an actual immigration detention centre on Saturday. 

Can Djokovic return to Australia? 

A visa cancellation from the minister comes with an automatic three-year ban, but Djokovic could apply for one, and it would be accepted if the reasons were compassionate or compelling enough. Notably, this does not just apply to personal reasons, but the reasons the Australian government might have to let Djokovic return as well. 

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Considering his stature in the tennis world and the commercial import of the Australian Open, the government could take his future visa application into serious consideration. 

Djokovic could use diplomatic loophole 

Notably, Djokovic holds a Serbian diplomatic passport apart from his regular one. There have been speculations that he could use this loophole to remain in Australia. However, Djokovic had arrived in Australia with a different, temporary visa, and he is not a registered diplomat either. 

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Djokovic would need a diplomatic visa to remain in Australia, and this would take some time to arrange, including the Serbian government making a formal request to the Australian Foreign Minister.