Where does Djokovic’s Australian visa saga stand?

Defending men's champion Serbia's Novak Djokovic rests during a practice session on Margaret Court Arena ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. AP Photo/Mark Baker) Defending men's champion Serbia's Novak Djokovic rests during a practice session on Margaret Court Arena ahead of the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022. AP Photo/Mark Baker)

By STEVE McMORRAN / Associated Press January 14, 2022 6 min read

Novak Djokovic was included in the draw for the Australian Open – but he’s still waiting to learn if he can stay in the country.

All eyes are now on Immigration Minister Alex Hawke, who must decide whether to deport the tennis star, effectively overruling a judge who said Djokovic could stay in Australia despite questions about his exemption to COVID-19 vaccination rules.

It’s a decision that has legal, political, sporting and diplomatic consequences.

___

HOW DID WE GET HERE?