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- The Australian Open kicks off in Melbourne on Monday
- A day before the event’s start, one top player has been removed from the field
- Read more tennis news here
The lead-up to the 2022 Australian Open has been one full of drama. Top-seeded Novak Djokovic’s status for the tournament has been in limbo as he’s dealt with the country’s immigration protocols.
That standing appeared to be settled when he received approval to play in the Open earlier this week, but a twist of fate one day prior to the tournament’s start has made this a wide-open competition. Djokovic’s playing status has been overturned with the Australian government ruling against the world’s No. 1 player.
BREAKING: Novak Djokovic’s hopes of playing at the Australian Open have been dashed after a court dismissed the top-ranked tennis star’s appeal against a deportation order. https://t.co/pyqcpxtG0w
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 16, 2022
With Djokovic out of the field, the competition now becomes wide open. He was the heavy betting favorite and the overwhelming choice to take home the championship. Now, players like Daniil Medvedev and Rafael Nadal become the front runners, robbing Djokovic an opportunity to land his 10th Australian Open title. He already holds the record with his nine previous victories in Melbourne.
Putting political preferences aside, it’s a shame that fans will no longer be able to see the sport’s best player in a major tournament, especially with the decision coming less than 24 hours before the start of the event. Many have taken to social media to express their disappointment in seeing Djokovic leave the upcoming competition.
https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1482691250830647296
Novak Djokovic’s last seven grand slam results:
Disqualified
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🏆
🏆
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DeportedEasily the wildest timeline in tennis history.#AusOpen
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 16, 2022
https://twitter.com/GillianMcKeith/status/1482735240682557441
RT if you stand with Novak Djokovic!
— Nick Adams (Alpha Male) (@NickAdamsinUSA) January 15, 2022
So @DjokerNole loses his appeal. What a mess the handling of this whole case was, embarrassing for Australia & the grand slam tournament. #AusOpen2022
— Sophie Elsworth (@sophieelsworth) January 16, 2022
Novak Djokovic leaves the Marhaba lounge at Melbourne Airport for flight back to Europe. pic.twitter.com/Rg2D1XTTwW
— Shane McInnes (@shanemcinnes) January 16, 2022
You’ll roar again, @DjokerNole!
Stay strong, recuperate and come back stronger and better. I will be cheering you on loudly.
You’ll be alright, no doubt there❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/9OjInRuGXS— Audrey (@tennisandlocs) January 16, 2022
With the dismissal, Djokovic returns home to prepare for his next tennis appearance. Taking his place in Australia will be Italian Salvatore Caruso, who’s currently the 150th ranked player in the world.