Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic has lost his appeal against the Australian government’s decision to cancel his visa for a second time.
The 20-time grand slam champion had been scheduled to play against fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic on Monday.
But while Sunday’s decision is a setback, it isn’t the end of the road yet, according to experts.
Legal options: Djokovic can still seek leave to appeal to Australia’s top court, although time is running out for him to do so before the tournament begins, according to Abul Rizvi, a former deputy secretary with the immigration department.
“He may appeal for symbolic reasons but little else,” said Rizvi, who added Djokovic would remain in detention until he departs.
Another visa: There’s also the possibility Djokovic could get a bridging visa, which could allow him to play in the tournament while making arrangements to leave Australia, according to Maria Jockel, an immigration law specialist at BDO Australia.
But there’s a hitch — the visa can only be granted by the immigration minister, the same person who canceled his visa Friday. The court could ask that Djokovic is granted a bridging visa while the case is appealed further, but ultimately the decision lies with the immigration minister.
