(CNN)With the first tennis grand slam of the year fast approaching, the saga surrounding Novak Djokovic’s visa appears to be continuing until the moment when play is due to start on Monday.
As the players made their final preparations for the Australian Open, all questions revolved around the 20-time Grand Slam champion.
“I think we all want to keep going, whatever it is, keep going and focus on the cool aspect of starting a slam,” two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza said during a media day.
“I think all of this could have been avoided, as we all did, by getting vaccinated and doing all the things that we had to do to get here to Australia.
“Everyone knew the rules very well. You just have to stick to them and that’s it. I don’t think it’s that difficult.”
Muguruza, who reached the Australian Open final in 2020, fears the ongoing controversy will negatively impact the sport’s reputation.
Djokovic is currently being detained by Australian authorities ahead of a court hearing on Sunday on his case of staying in the country.
Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke revoked the unvaccinated tennis champion’s visa for a second time on Friday, saying his presence in Australia could lead to “increasing anti-vaccination sentiment” and even spark “civil unrest”.
“I don’t think it would help the tennis world or the players because there is always a bit of conflict at the end,” added Muguruza.
“It’s already difficult enough getting the tournaments to work and shaping the WTA and ATP circuit from country to country to create all this news, quite a lot.”
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“An Unfortunate Situation”
If Djokovic manages to compete at this year’s tournament, he has an opportunity to win a record-breaking 21st men’s Grand Slam title.
He currently shares the record with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal but the latter says the tournament will be a success even if the Serb is unable to play.
“I’ll tell you one thing, it’s very clear that Novak Djokovic is without a doubt one of the best players in history,” Nadal told reporters. “But there’s no player in history more important than an event, is there?
“The Australian Open is much more important than any other player. When he finally plays, OK. If he doesn’t play, the Australian Open will be a great Australian Open with or without him. This is my opinion.”
Djokovic has thanked those who have continued to support him throughout the ordeal, but some are wondering if this situation will tarnish his legacy.
Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka says she is saddened by what she saw. “I think it’s an unfortunate situation,” she told reporters.
“He’s such a great player and it’s kind of sad that some people remember him like that.
“But I also think it’s up to the tennis players, it’s up to the government how Australia decides to deal with it.”
“It’s their rules”
World No. 2 ranked Daniil Medvedev spoiled Djokovic’s quest for a calendar Grand Slam – winning all four Majors in the same calendar year – in 2021 as the Russian won the US Open final against the Serb.
The pair could meet again in this year’s Australian Open final should they both go that far, but Medvedev says the country’s rules must be followed.
“What I want to say about Novak’s situation is that we’re in Australia, it’s their rules,” he told reporters.
“But for all I know, if he has a valid dispensation to be in this country and do whatever he wants, he should play.
“If the exemption isn’t valid or something else isn’t valid, well, any country can refuse you entry.”
The Australian Open is set to start on Monday but whether Djokovic is in the draw has yet to be decided by a court.
CNN’s Jill Martin contributed to the coverage.
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