Djokovic included in delayed Australian Open draw

The draw for the Australian Open was postponed due to visa complications for Novak Djokovic.

The draw was scheduled to be held at 3 pm local time in Melbourne, but a tournament official told waiting media that the ceremony had been postponed until further notice and declined further comment.

Later, the draw was rescheduled to 4:15 p.m. local time.

Djokovic travelled to Australia seeking to defend his title and 21st Grand Slam titles to break the men's record of 20 he shared with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal as well.

The Australian immigration minister was still considering whether to deport the nine-time Australian Open champion, who is not vaccinated against Covid-19, on public interest grounds.

The Serbian had his visa canceled on arrival in Melbourne last week when his vaccination exemption was questioned, but he won a legal battle on procedural grounds that allowed him to stay in the country. On the other hand, immigration Minister Alex Hawke can overrule the judge's decision to reinstate the visa.