Why Novak Djokovic’s visa was canceled — and what it means for the Australian Open

World No. 1 Novak Djokovic’s hopes of winning his 10th Australian Open in 2022 were all but dashed on Thursday after he was denied entrance into Australia. Djokovic arrived in Melbourne late on Wednesday night, just a week-and-a-half ahead of the year’s first Grand Slam. The 34-year-old had been granted a medical exemption for the country’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements to compete in the tournament, but on a bizarre day in which he was detained for eight hours at the airport, his visa was ultimately denied.

“Mr. Djokovic’s visa has been cancelled,” Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison tweeted. “Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders. No one is above these rules.”

In an interview on Thursday morning, Australia’s Minister of Health Greg Hunt said Djokovic failed to provide “appropriate standards of proof” for his exemption to border officials.

For months there has been speculation about Djokovic’s status for the year’s first Grand Slam due to his presumed reluctance to get the vaccine. He has never publicly stated whether he is vaccinated but has repeatedly called it a “personal decision” and a “private matter.”

Finally, earlier this week he announced he would be playing in the tournament and was on his way to Australia. But after days of public criticism over the exemption decision and a night full of confusion, it remains unclear if he will immediately leave the country or try to appeal the ruling and stay in a quarantine hotel nearby.

So, how exactly did this happen, and what does this mean for Djokovic and the tournament? Here’s what we know so far.

First thing’s first, are vaccines required for players at the 2022 Australian Open?

The short answer is yes. All players — as well as everyone on the grounds at Melbourne Park — must have completed the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine (meaning a series of at least two shots in most cases) in order to participate.

One could apply for an exemption if they met any of the guidelines…