If current rules stand, Novak Djokovic would not be eligible to play the French Open in May.

France’s Sports Ministry said today exemptions would not be given to the unvaccinated after a new law was passed Sunday requiring vaccination certificates in certain public places, and that includes sporting venues.

“This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice,” the ministry said.

“As far …

After a tortuous start to 2022, Novak Djokovic is back home in Belgrade after getting deported from Australia.

Along the way, the world No. 1 was captured on video at airport in Dubai after arriving from Melbourne and also once he reached Serbia earlier this morning.

DUBAI

BELGRADE…

Rafael Nadal made a strong return to Grand Slam tennis Monday at the Australian Open. Playing his first best-of-5 match since the French Open, Nadal dominated former UCLA star Marcos Giron 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 for his 70th career win at the event.

Nadal finished with seven aces and 34 winners, losing just eight points on his first serve in the easy opening round win.

“It’s been a very challenging few months… tough …

Tournament favorites Ash Barty and Naomi Osaka both made strong starts on the first day of play at the Australian Open.

Home favorite Barty headlined the night session and didn’t disappoint rolling to a 6-0, 6-1 win over qualifier Lesia Tsurenko.

“I felt like it was nice and clean. End to end I did a good job in adjusting,” said Barty on court.

“Overall I felt I was able to find the forehand …

The Novak Djokovic nightmare is behind us. Agree or disagree with the decision, he’s on a flight home. His 2022 Grand Slam season won’t start before the French at the earliest, and that means Rafael Nadal can get the steal in Melbourne where Djokovic had won nine times before.

Nadal along with Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev are the three outright favorites.

The next tier would be Matteo Berrettini, Jannik …

Following the decision by the Federal Court which did not rule to re-instate Novak Djokovic’s visa, the world No. 1 has already boarded a 14-hour Emirates flight from Melbourne to Dubai and is headed perhaps back to Belgrade. He left Melbourne at 10:39pm, almost five hours after the Court ruled.

After losing his appeal, the Serb will now await the Court’s decision on whether he will be banned from Australia …

Following the decision to uphold the Minister of Immigration’s decision to cancel his Australian visa, Novak Djokovic released the following statement:

“I would like to make a brief statement to address the outcomes of today’s Court hearing. I will now be taking some time to rest and to recuperate, before making any further comments beyond this.

“I am extremely disappointed with the Court ruling to dismiss my application for judicial …

Nine time champion Novak Djokovic will not have the opportunity to defend his title and win a 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open.

Just within the hour, the Serb lost his appeal to have his visa reinstated. The decision was unanimous by the three Federal Court judges of Australia. There is no pathway for an appeal.

The Court will also said Djokovic had to pay the costs, but no ruling on …

Andy Murray’s hope for a first title in over two years was derailed Saturday in Sydney where Aslan Karatsev topped the former No. 1 with relative ease 6-3, 6-3.

Karatsev never dropped serve en route to his third career title, all of which have come during the last year.

“To start a season with a title, it’s a good start and good preparation for Australian Open. Yeah, to get some confidence beginning …

After suffering through years of injuries, ailments and setbacks, Thanasi Kokkinakis completed the best week of his tennis life capturing his first ATP title beating Arthur Rinderknech 6-7(6), 7-6(5) 6-3.

Now 25, the Adelaide native saved two match points in a semifinal thriller against Marin Cilic, then came from a set down and points away from defeat in the final.

“When I saw that final ball went long, I don’t think I’ve …

Two players who weren’t in the big picture of things on the WTA met a year ago met for the Sydney 500 title, and it was Paula Badosa getting the better of Barbora Krejcikova 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4).

Badosa, who won Indian Wells last October, already has a big crown in 2022, winning her third career title.

“I’m really happy that I won my way,” said Badosa who is now 3-0 in finals. …

After a long drought, Madison Keys got back in the win column breezing past countrywoman Alison Riske 6-1, 6-2 in the Adelaide final Saturday.

The powerful Riske overwhelmed Riske for her first WTA title since 2019 Cincinnati and her sixth overall. After a tough win in the semifinals over Coco Gauff, Keys needed just 66 minutes.

“I’m really happy with how today went,” Keys said. “I think I started really well …

The news isn’t good for Novak Djokovic. Just five days after getting clear of the immigration detention and deportation, the World No. 1 is again facing severe consequences.

Australia’s Minister of Immigration, Alex Hawke, ruled yesterday afternoon in Melbourne that Djokovic posed a health risk by being allowed to stay in the country, and therefore he flexed his power by re-cancelling the Serb’s visa.

Djokovic is still in the draw, …

At this moment, Novak Djokovic is in the Australian Open draw, but for how much longer?

Less than an hour ago at 6pm local time in Melbourne, Minister of Immigration Alex Hawke cancelled the world No. 1’s visa for a second time.

“Today I exercised my power under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act to cancel the visa held by Mr Novak Djokovic on health and good order grounds, on the basis …

After about 12 hours of speculation and even delays, Novak Djokovic is officially in the Australian Open draw. Will he stay there is another matter.

All day there was talk the Serb would be pulled from the tournament. Just minutes before the 3pm draw and shortly after a Djokovic finished a practice, the event abruptly postponed the ceremony without explanation.

Even more ominous was the news the Australian PM was set to …