Djokovic trains as Australian Open dream hangs in balance

Novak Djokovic trained at the Australian Open venue Tuesday in search of a record 21st Grand Slam but his dream hung in the balance as the government pondered canceling his visa, again.

World number one had scored a surprise courtroom victory the day before, overturning the Australian government’s decision to cancel his visa on COVID-19 vaccination grounds.

But the immigration minister said he may annul Djokovic’s visa once more.

The unvaccinated 34-year-old Serbian ace says he is now determined to stay in Melbourne and compete in the Australian Open, which starts in six days.

“I flew here to play at one of the most important events we have in front of the amazing fans,” Djokovic said on Instagram Monday.

Television cameras filmed him from helicopters as he played.

Djokovic, a nine-time Australian Open champion, jetted into the country six days ago carrying a medical exemption from vaccination due to a positive coronavirus test on December 16 last year.

ARR