Novak Djokovic's future as world No 1 thrown into peril as star has 'problem'

The tennis ace's attempts to circumvent Australia's strict COVID-19 rules came to an end earlier this month when a court unanimously dismissed his challenge of a government minister's decision to cancel his visa. Djokovic said he was "extremely disappointed" by the ruling, but respected it. Three Federal Court judges upheld a decision made by immigration minister Alex Hawke to cancel the Serbian's visa on public interest grounds, because he is not vaccinated.

Djokovic has won a record nine Australia Open titles - including three in a row - and was hoping to secure a tenth this year before the debacle ensued.

Now, it looks like his rival Rafael Nadal could sweep in and grab the record 21st Grand Slam that the pair and Roger Federer have been fighting over.

Much has been said of what Djokovic might do going forward given that many countries now require proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test result in order to access and participate in public attractions and hospitality venues.

This will be the case for the French Open that begins in May, where Djokovic has won twice, including last year where he beat the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Looking to the future, Chris Evans, a Labour MP for Islwyn in South Wales and Vice Chair of the tennis All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG), said Djokovic has a "problem" on his hands if he continues to approach the issue of COVID-19 in the same way.

He told Express.co.uk: "Going forward I think he has a problem if restrictions remain he's going to struggle to play, and that means it's going to affect his drive and his chances of breaking that record of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, and becoming seen in most people's eyes as the greatest player of all time.

"I think it has