Novak Djokovic: What next for 20-time Grand Slam champion after Australia row?

Novak Djokovic has never hidden how much he craves ending his career with the most Grand Slam men's titles of all time.

But he has been denied the chance to win a record 21st major at next week's Australian Open after his visa was revoked by the country's government.

The row stopped the 34-year-old Serb having a shot at making more tennis history — but also raises further questions for Djokovic, plus other players who are reluctant to be vaccinated against Covid-19, for the season ahead.

Will other countries stop Djokovic entering if he is not vaccinated? Could it prevent him playing in the other Grand Slam tournaments? For how long?

And what does it mean for the nine-time Australian Open champion's future?

After losing his bid to have his visa cancellation overturned, Djokovic will be denied the opportunity in Australia to become the man with the most Grand Slam titles.

Level with Switzerland's Roger Federer and Spain's Rafael Nadal on 20, the world number one was aiming to move clear of his long-time rivals for the first time by winning his 10th title at Melbourne Park, although it seems extremely unlikely Djokovic will not play another Grand Slam.

Nadal, 35, could move ahead by winning for the first time since his only triumph there in 2009, while 40-year-old Federer is missing with a long-term knee injury.

The issue with Djokovic's entry into Australia also raises questions about whether he will face difficulty entering other countries.

But, as Nadal pointed out, Djokovic would face no such problems if he decided to get the vaccination.

Some governments have made vaccinations mandatory for foreign visitors, with others allowing unvaccinated travellers if they provide negative tests and spend time in isolation on arrival.

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