The fast-spreading Omicron version, no Serena Williams or Roger Federer and now the Novak Djokovic saga – the Australian Open is struggling to live up to its ‘happy slam’ reputation.
With the tournament only 10 days away, there was a risk of further chaos on Friday as other players were likely to be in the same position as the world No.
Vaccine-skeptic Djokovic, defending champion of the Australian Open, was detained on arrival in the country this week after his visa was revoked for failing to meet tough coronavirus pandemic entry restrictions.
The 34-year-old Serb is now in the Melbourne Immigration Detention Facility and is fighting deportation.
Home Minister Karen Andrews said two other players or employees who participated in the Open were also being investigated.
Tennis Australia, which hosts the first Grand Slam of the year, is in the limelight for its role in the debacle, which has been part of the process that gave Djokovic a medical exemption from having a COVID jab.
An online analysis excerpt by national broadcaster ABC stated that the Open is “arguably the biggest drawcard from the men’s side in the tournament, and the decision-making of the organizers and government is in chaos with intense scrutiny”.
The Australian Open is known as the ‘Happy Slam’ for its perfect weather, bountiful crowds and party atmosphere at Melbourne Park, which sits on the banks of the Yarra River.
But like all major sporting events ever since the coronavirus struck, the pandemic is calling.
Last year’s Australian Open was thrown into doubt by COVID and eventually started three weeks late after fans were barred mid-tournament when officials ordered a snap lockdown in the state of Victoria.
This year was supposed to be different with vaccines, but then came Omicron and the number of infections was rising rapidly in Australia and beyond.
Nadal is there, but…
Even if Djokovic went on to defend his title, the tournament would still lack some star power.
Federer, who also has 20 Slam titles, will not be there as he battles to recover from a knee injury. Also absent will be American Williams, who is managing her workload in the twilight of another great tennis career.
Rafael Nadal will be there, who was recently “very ill” with COVID, but it remains to be seen whether he can combat his devastating best.
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