Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has lost his appeal against the Australian government’s decision to revoke his visa for the second time.
The 20-time grand slam champion would play against compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic on Monday.
But while Sunday’s decision is a setback, experts say it’s not the end of the road yet.
Legal options: According to Abul Rizvi, a former deputy secretary at the Immigration Service, Djokovic can still seek permission to appeal to Australia’s highest court, although time is running out to do so before the tournament starts.
“He can appeal for symbolic reasons, but little else,” said Rizvi, adding that Djokovic would remain in custody until he leaves.
Another visa: According to Maria Jockel, an immigration law specialist at BDO Australia, there is also a possibility that Djokovic could be granted a transition visa, which will allow him to play in the tournament while making arrangements to leave Australia.
But there is a problem: the visa can only be granted by the immigration minister, the same person who canceled his visa on Friday. The court could request that Djokovic be granted a bridging visa while the case continues to be challenged, but ultimately the decision rests with the immigration minister.
