With Novak Djokovic gone, Australian Open up for grabs

Novak Djokovic lost the legal battle over his COVID-19 vaccination status and has been deported from Australia, which means the Serb will not be able to defend his Open title. 

Djokovic said that he was extremely disappointed with the Federal Court’s decision. 

Also read: Australia Open 2022: All you need to know about COVID-19 protocols

 “I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open. I hope that we can all now focus on the game and tournament I love,” he said. 

Now, with Djokovic gone, the Australian Open, a tournament he has dominated for the last decade, is up for grabs. The 34-year-old has won a record nine titles at Melbourne, including the last three in succession. 

However, with the World No 1’s absence and the likes of Roger Federer and Dominic Thiem opting out of the tournament, the spotlight falls on Rafael Nadal. 

Also Read: ‘Bit tired of the situation’: Rafael Nadal, others on Novak Djokovic saga

Nadal, Djokovic and Federer – three greats of the game – are tied at 20 Grand Slams each. The Australian Open, a grass tournament, will be the Spaniard’s chance of being the first to get to number 21. The sixth seed, in fact, is the only Australian Open champion left in the draw (he won in 2009). 

Also read: Novak Djokovic vs Australia: Complete timeline of events

Nadal was likely to meet Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals. He will have to beat Alexander Zverev in a possible-quarters and then he could meet seventh-ranked Italian Matteo Berrettini in the semis. 

The toughest challenge in front of Nadal in second seed Daniil Medvedev. The Russian beat Djokovic in last year’s US Open to deny him a year slam.