Australian Open draw delayed amid uncertainty over Novak Djokovic

MELBOURNE, Australia — The Australian Open gully was delayed indefinitely connected Thursday amid uncertainty implicit top-ranked Novak Djokovic’s visa status.

The draw, to find men’s and women’s singles brackets astatine the year’s archetypal tennis major, was scheduled to beryllium held astatine 3 p.m. section clip successful Melbourne, but a tourney authoritative told waiting media that the ceremonial had been postponed until further announcement and declined further comment.

The Australian Open begins Monday.

The Australian migration curate was inactive considering whether to deport the nine-time and defending Australian Open champion, who is not vaccinated against COVID-19, connected nationalist involvement grounds.

Djokovic remained successful limbo.

The 34-year-old Serb had his visa canceled connected accomplishment successful Melbourne past week erstwhile his vaccination exemption was questioned, but helium won a ineligible conflict connected procedural grounds that allowed him to enactment successful the country.

Immigration Minister Alex Hawke has been considering the question since a justice reinstated Djokovic’s visa connected Monday.