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Rafael Nadal clinched a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title after beating Daniil Medvedev 2-6 6-7 6-4 6-4 7-5 in an Australian Open final for the ages.The Spaniard surpassed the previous men's record of 20 he held jointly with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, the latter of who was denied entry into the country after having his visa revoked.There had been major doubts about whether or not Nadal would even be fit enough to play at the Australian Open after missing the second half of 2021 with a foot injury.However, he returned to action at the Melbourne Summer Set tournament at the beginning of January, going on to win his first ATP title since May 2021.After beating Matteo Berrettini in the Australian Open semifinal, Nadal said he was just happy to be back on the court after being beset by injuries."I feel lucky just playing tennis," he told Eurosport. "I'm playing with a great tactical, positive feelings. I feel a little bit alive again, attitude, the competitive spirit, so yeah, I've missed that feeling sometimes. I am enjoying it.Related video: Tennis star Novak Djokovic back in Serbia after deportation "I know the pressure is not much for me now. I never believed I would have the chance to be where I am today, so I'm just enjoying every single moment."As he sank to the floor, exhausted but victorious after five-and-a-half enthralling hours, Nadal proved he was not only fit enough to still compete at Grand Slams, but could realistically still win several more.

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Novak Djokovic won his first legal round against Australian authorities who want to deport him. But the world tennis No. 1 now faces a formidable challenge on Sunday in his second round as he takes on what some describe as the God-like powers of the immigration minister on questions of visas and public interest.Djokovic won his court appeal this week against a border official's decision to cancel his visa. He won over procedural errors related to Australia's confusing COVID-19 vaccination regulations.Immigration Minister Alex Hawke's intervention on Friday to cancel the visa a second time for what Djokovic's lawyers describe as "radically different" reasons pits Djokovic against Australian politics and the law.What are the minister's powers? Hawke has a "personal power" to cancel Djokovic's visa under Section 133C of the Migration Act 1958.Hawke needed to be satisfied that Djokovic's presence in Australia "maybe, or would or might be, a risk to the health, safety or good order of the Australian community." The minister also needed to be satisfied that ordering Djokovic's deportation would be in the "public interest," a term which has no legal definition.Unlike the decision of a government underling, the "rules of natural justice do not apply" to a minister's decision. That means the minister did not have to tell Djokovic he was planning to deport him.Hawke could have canceled Djokovic's visa in secret and then notified the Serbian tennis star days later that he had to go. Had the Australian Border Force come to detain Djokovic, they would legally have had to reveal only then that he had no visa. Under Section 133F of the Act, Djokovic could have then requested the minister reverse his decision, but the only realistic option would have been to appeal it in court.How does the minister exercise his power? In Djokovic' s case, Australian government lawyers warned him that the minister was planning to intervene on Monday when a judge reinstated his visa. The star athlete's high profile might have encouraged the government to appear even handed.Djokovic's lawyers provided evidence for why he was entitled to keep his visa and be allowed to defend his Australian Open title in the days before the minister acted.While Hawke has sweeping discretion to define public interest in canceling a visa, he must also be thoughtful and detailed in his reasoning."These decisions aren't straightforward. There is case law which compels a minister when exercising this power personally to have active intellectual engagement with the materials and with the decision," immigration lawyer Kian Bone said."It's not something that he (Hawke) can have a one-liner saying: 'Dear Mr. Djokovic, your visa is canceled.' He can't have a bureaucrat or a staffer write a decision for him, look at it for two minutes and sign off on it," Bone added.How do you overturn a minister's decision? Because the minister's power is so broad and discretionary, grounds for appeal are potentially fewer than they are for a decision of a public servant acting on a minister's authority. But courts have overturned ministers' decisions in the past.The immigration minister's powers are among the broadest provided under Australian law, said Greg Barns, a lawyer experienced in visa cases."One of the criticisms of this particular power is that it is so broad and it's effectively allowing the minister to play God with someone's life," Barns said."It's inevitable that political considerations would form part of the decision because that concept of public interest is so broad that it allows a minister to effectively take into account political considerations, even though theoretically that ought not be done," Barnes added.Political considerations are heightened for Prime Minister Scott Morrison's conservative coalition with an election due by May at the latest.Although Australia has one of the highest rates of COVID-19 vaccination in the world, the government is concerned by Djokovic's popularity among those who are opposed to vaccine mandates or skeptical of the vaccines' efficacy.Djokovic's lawyers don't accept that those sentiments are a legitimate reason to deny the sporting star an attempt at a record 21 Grand Slam titles."The minister only considers the potential for exciting anti-vax sentiment in the event that he's present" at the Australian Open, Djokovic's lawyer Nick Wood told a court on Friday.Hawke's reasons do not take into account the potential impact on those attitudes if Djokovic is forcibly removed, Wood said."The minister gives no consideration whatsoever to what effect that may have on anti-vax sentiment and indeed on public order," Wood said. "That seems patently irrational."

Novak Djokovic's chance to play for a 10th Australian Open title was thrown into limbo early Thursday when the country denied him entry and canceled his visa because he failed to meet the requirements for an exemption to COVID-19 vaccination rules.Related video above: Novak Djokovic shows off trophy after 2021 Australian Open winThe top-ranked Djokovic landed in Australia late Wednesday after receiving a medical exemption from the Victoria state government that would shield him from the strict vaccination rules in place for this year's first major tennis tournament, which begins Jan. 17.But border authorities did not accept the exemption. The Australian Border Force issued a statement saying Djokovic failed to meet entry requirements.Health Minister Greg Hunt said the visa cancellation followed a review of Djokovic's medical exemption by border officials who looked "at the integrity and the evidence behind it."The president of Djokovic's native Serbia blasted the "harassment" of the star, who was detained overnight at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. The 20-time major winner had to wait more than eight hours at the airport to find out if he would be allowed into the country. Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said nobody was above the rules."Mr. Djokovic's visa has been canceled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders," Morrison posted on Twitter. "No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant."Hunt said Djokovic was free to appeal the decision. "But if a visa is canceled, somebody will have to leave the country."Australian media reported that Djokovic's team applied for the wrong type of visa.The medical exemption had been designed to allow Djokovic to play in the Australian Open, regardless of his vaccination status for COVID-19. He has spoken out against vaccines in the past and has steadfastly refused to acknowledge whether he received any shots against the coronavirus.Djokovic's father, Srdjan Djokovic, told the B92 internet portal that his son was held at the airport "in a room which no one can enter" and guarded by two police officers.Djokovic's participation in the Australian Open has been a hot political topic, with many Australians furious that he was granted an exemption to enter the country.Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Instagram that he spoke to Djokovic while he was being held at the airport. He said Serbian authorities were taking measures "so the harassment of the best tennis player in the world be stopped in the shortest possible time."Speculation of a possible issue with the visa emerged while Djokovic was in transit and escalated with mixed messages from federal and state lawmakers.Djokovic's revelation on social media that he was heading to Australia seeking a record 21st major title sparked debate, with critics questioning what grounds he could have for the exemption and backers arguing that he has a right to privacy and freedom of choice.Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley defended the "completely legitimate application and process" and insisted there was no special treatment for Djokovic.The Victoria state government mandated that only fully vaccinated players, staff, fans and officials could enter Melbourne Park when the tournament begins.Only 26 people connected with the tournament applied for a medical exemption and, Tiley said, only a "handful" were granted.Among the acceptable reasons for an exemption are acute major medical conditions, serious adverse reaction to a previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine or evidence of a COVID-19 infection within the previous six months.Djokovic tested positive for the coronavirus in June 2020 after he played in a series of exhibition matches that he organized in Serbia and Croatia without social distancing amid the pandemic.Concerns about Djokovic's visa status took a while to circulate.Morrison initially said the medical exemption decision was a matter for the government of Victoria, where Melbourne is the state capital."They have provided (Djokovic) with an exemption to come to Australia, and so we then act in accordance with that," Morrison said. "States provide exemptions for people to enter on those basis, and that's been happening for the last two years."Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews then clarified the border process."While the Victorian government and Tennis Australia may permit a non-vaccinated player to compete in the Australian Open, it is the Commonwealth government that will enforce our requirements at the Australian border," Andrews said. "If an arriving individual is not vaccinated, they must provide acceptable proof that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons to be able to access the same travel arrangement as fully vaccinated travelers."When asked again about Djokovic's case later Wednesday, Morrison added: "If that evidence is insufficient, then he won't be treated any different to anyone else and he'll be on the next plane home."___Associated Press Writer Dusan Stojanovic in Belgrade, Serbia, contributed to this report.

MELBOURNE, Australia —

Novak Djokovic's chance to play for a 10th Australian Open title was thrown into limbo early Thursday when the country denied him entry and canceled his visa because he failed to meet the requirements for an exemption to COVID-19 vaccination rules.

Related video above: Novak Djokovic shows off trophy after 2021 Australian Open win

The top-ranked Djokovic landed in Australia late Wednesday after receiving a medical exemption from the Victoria state government that would shield him from the strict vaccination rules in place for this year's first major tennis tournament, which begins Jan. 17.

But border authorities did not accept the exemption. The Australian Border Force issued a statement saying Djokovic failed to meet entry requirements.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the visa cancellation followed a review of Djokovic's medical exemption by border officials who looked "at the integrity and the evidence behind it."

The president of Djokovic's native Serbia blasted the "harassment" of the star, who was detained overnight at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. The 20-time major winner had to wait more than eight hours at the airport to find out if he would be allowed into the country.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said nobody was above the rules.

"Mr. Djokovic's visa has been canceled. Rules are rules, especially when it comes to our borders," Morrison posted on Twitter. "No one is above these rules. Our strong border policies have been critical to Australia having one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID, we are continuing to be vigilant."

Hunt said Djokovic was free to appeal the decision. "But if a visa is canceled, somebody will have to leave the country."

Australian media reported that Djokovic's team applied for the wrong type of visa.

The medical exemption had been designed to allow Djokovic to play in the Australian Open, regardless of his vaccination status for COVID-19. He has spoken out against vaccines in the past and has steadfastly refused to acknowledge whether he received any shots against the coronavirus.

Djokovic's father, Srdjan Djokovic, told the B92 internet portal that his son was held at the airport "in a room which no one can enter" and guarded by two police officers.

Djokovic's participation in the Australian Open has been a hot political topic, with many Australians furious that he was granted an exemption to enter the country.

Meanwhile, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Instagram that he spoke to Djokovic while he was being held at the airport. He said Serbian authorities were taking measures "so the harassment of the best tennis player in the world be stopped in the shortest possible time."

Speculation of a possible issue with the visa emerged while Djokovic was in transit and escalated with mixed messages from federal and state lawmakers.

(AP Photo/Andres Kudacki)

Djokovic's revelation on social media that he was heading to Australia seeking a record 21st major title sparked debate, with critics questioning what grounds he could have for the exemption and backers arguing that he has a right to privacy and freedom of choice.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley defended the "completely legitimate application and process" and insisted there was no special treatment for Djokovic.

The Victoria state government mandated that only fully vaccinated players, staff, fans and officials could enter Melbourne Park when the tournament begins.

Only 26 people connected with the tournament applied for a medical exemption and, Tiley said, only a "handful" were granted.

Among the acceptable reasons for an exemption are acute major medical conditions, serious adverse reaction to a previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine or evidence of a COVID-19 infection within the previous six months.

Djokovic tested positive for the coronavirus in June 2020 after he played in a series of exhibition matches that he organized in Serbia and Croatia without social distancing amid the pandemic.

Concerns about Djokovic's visa status took a while to circulate.

Morrison initially said the medical exemption decision was a matter for the government of Victoria, where Melbourne is the state capital.

"They have provided (Djokovic) with an exemption to come to Australia, and so we then act in accordance with that," Morrison said. "States provide exemptions for people to enter on those basis, and that's been happening for the last two years."

Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews then clarified the border process.

"While the Victorian government and Tennis Australia may permit a non-vaccinated player to compete in the Australian Open, it is the Commonwealth government that will enforce our requirements at the Australian border," Andrews said. "If an arriving individual is not vaccinated, they must provide acceptable proof that they cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons to be able to access the same travel arrangement as fully vaccinated travelers."

When asked again about Djokovic's case later Wednesday, Morrison added: "If that evidence is insufficient, then he won't be treated any different to anyone else and he'll be on the next plane home."

___

Associated Press Writer Dusan Stojanovic in Belgrade, Serbia, contributed to this report.

CINCINNATI: Roger Federer has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open with a back injury, meaning Rafael Nadal will be the new world No.1 in next week's rankings.

Federer, who has won the Ohio warm-up tournament for the US Open on seven occasions, said he had picked up the injury in Montreal, where he lost to Germany's Alexander Zverev in the final.

"I am very sorry to pull out of the Western and Southern Open as I always enjoy playing here," Federer said in a statement issued by the tournament.

"Cincinnati has some of the best fans in the world and I am sorry I will miss them. Unfortunately, I tweaked my back in Montreal and I need to rest this week."

Federer's withdrawal assures that Nadal will be top of the rankings when they are issued on August 21. The Spaniard will return to the top spot for the first time since July 6, 2014.

Nadal has spent 141 weeks at No.1 since first ascending there after reaching the Western and Southern semi-finals in 2008.

"It's been tough to get back to No.1," Nadal said.

"I'm happy to have the chance to be in that position."

Nadal will get his Cincinnati campaign underway against veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the second round.

Gasquet accounted for Australia's John-Patrick Smith 6-4 6-4 in his tournament opener on Monday but the win was far from what the regulation scoreline suggested.

Smith, who qualified for the tournament, roared to an early lead in the second set as he evoked memories of Pat Rafter, chipping and charging at will to break Gasquet and take a 4-2 lead in the second.

It wasn't to last though. Gasquet broke back immediately but needed five chances to do so before breaking again and then serving out the match.

Croatia's Ivo Karlovic took a bit longer to get through his first round match.

He took down fellow big man Jiri Vesely 6-3 3-6 7-5 and served 29 aces on his way to a second round clash with Frenchman Jo-Wilfired Tsonga.

Also advancing in straight sets were Fabio Fognini, a 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 winner over Daniil Medvedev; qualifier Mitchell Krueger beat Benoit Paire 6-2 6-1 and Spain's Feliciano Lopez prevailed 7-6 (7-5) 6-1 over Korea's Hyeon Chung.

here is another addition to the injury epidemic that has blown up in tennis over the past couple of months, and this time it affects the man of the moment: reigning Wimbledon and Australian Open champion Roger Federer, who has withdrawn from this week’s Cincinnati Masters because of back trouble.

Many observers suspected that Federer was struggling when he lost to Alexander Zverev in the Rogers Cup final on Sunday.

One of his many remarkable achievements is that he has never retired during any of his 1,363 matches on the ATP tour, but a less defiant character might have walked off the court rather than fight through – as Federer did – to the end of a 6-3, 6-4 defeat.

The problem was one of mobility and flexibility. As the match moved into the second set, Federer lacked his usual snap, particularly on his serve, which became so static that he was only able to roll the ball in at a gentle pace.

On Monday he confirmed that “I tweaked my back in Montreal”, and withdrew from this week’s ATP Masters 1000 event in Cincinnati.

The high attrition rate on the men’s tour at the moment means that only one of the world’s top six will be present in Cincinnati. That man is Rafael Nadal, who has proved surprisingly robust this year after the wrist-tendon tear that spoiled his 2016 season.

As for Federer, he now has a fortnight to recover from whatever the problem is with his back. Even the man himself may not yet know how serious the injury is.

But he will remember that back trouble ruined the majority of his 2013 season – a year in which his winning percentage dropped from its usual level in the low 80s to a moderate 73.

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