Australia Open drama - 19th January 2022

The Australian Open in Melbourne has started. This time, the world's top male player from Serbia, Novak Djokovic didn't play.

Djokovic arrived in Australia on 5th January. But Australia's travel rules are strict. Everyone travelling there must have the Covid-19 vaccine.

Djokovic said that in December, he had Covid-19. So, he didn't take the vaccine before travelling.

Before going to Australia, Djokovic had travelled to other countries. But he didn't say this. When the immigration minister, Alex Hawke discovered this, he cancelled the visa.

Mr Djokovic went to court and the Australian court gave him permission to prepare for his matches.

But the Australian government took him to court a second time and the court told him he had to leave the country.

They didn't want him to become the face of anti-vaccine protests in Australia. But as the first day of the Open began, tennis fans were focused on the games.

Sarah Wals: "I think it's just better for everyone and people can focus on the tennis now, not on unvaccinated players."

But, tennis fans are unsure who was wrong or right in the situation.

Tom Crvenkovic: "Did he embarrass Australia? We stuffed up too. We didn't handle it perfectly. I think both sides are to blame."

Djokovic was looking forward to breaking the world record and winning his 21st Grand Slam competition. But now, he can't visit Australia for three years.