And now that the visa drama is finally settled, here’s a complete timeline of how the saga around Novak Djokovic’s controversial bid to defend his Australian Open title unfolded in its entirety.

Here’s our recap of day one of the Australian Open where, even without major upheavals, the tournament finally returned to its purpose as a sporting event rather than a scene of political drama.

Novak Djokovic could be allowed to return to Australia next year after the country’s prime minister said the tennis star’s ban could be reduced.

Djokovic was deported from Australia on Sunday after a court hearing upheld the decision to cancel his visa “on grounds of health and good order”.

Australian immigration laws mean Djokovic could not apply for another visa for a period of three years after the decision.

But the country’s prime minister, Scott Morrison, has said Djokovic could return sooner than expected as it’s possible the ban could be lifted if there are compelling reasons.

“[The ban] is going over a three-year period, but they have the option to come back under the right circumstances and it would be considered at that time,” Morrison told radio station 2GB.

There’s a host of matches to look forward to on day two of the Australian Open, with the action starting around midnight GMT.

In men’s singles, world number 2 Daniil Medvedev faces Henri Laaksonen (02:30). UK number 1 Dan Evans takes on David Goffin (03:15) and Andy Murray plays Nikoloz Basilashvili (04:00).

In women’s singles, Garbine Muguruza, Iga Swiatek, Petra Kvitova, Simona Halep and Aryna Sabalenka are all in action. However, for UK fans, all eyes will be on the showpiece match between US Open champions Emma Raducanu and Sloane Stephens, which is due to start at the Margaret Court Arena around 10am.

Novak Djokovic was greeted by supporters when he arrived in Serbia on Monday, but another hurdle was put in his way in the form of tougher regulations in France towards the unvaccinated.

The first day of play at the Australian Open was overshadowed by the fallout from the government’s ultimately successful efforts to expel Djokovic ahead of the tournament due to his perceived threat to public health and order.

The world number one left Melbourne on Sunday evening after saying in a statement following the Federal Court verdict that he would take some time “to rest and recover”.

There is this! Finally, Karatsev secures his place in the second round. Few would have expected it to require such a titanic effort after the Russian won the Sydney International last week and it will be hard to recover from a grueling five hours on the pitch. A special mention to Munar who fought tooth and nail until the end.

Karatsev may be getting closer to victory but, after 4:30 on the court, it’s far from a foregone conclusion.

The Russian is ahead 4-3 in the deciding set and must hold serve twice to secure a hotly contested spot in the second round.

“To be honest, not much went to plan today except I won, but sometimes that’s how it is, it’s the first round of a very long tournament, hopefully,” said Zverev after beating Altmaier in straight sets.

“You’re not always going to play your best tennis unless you’re Roger or Rafa, you’re always going out and you’re always perfection, but I’m not like them…it was a good match for me to get into. the tournament, and I hope the next time will be better.

Zverev will now face Australian favorite John Millman in the second round.

“I faced him several times, I faced him once at Roland-Garros which lasted five and a half hours, five sets, so… yes, he is a very difficult player to beat… I hope it’s going to be another fun one, and I can’t wait to be back on the court.

With Zverev and Badosa safe, that leaves only Karatsev and Munar on the pitch.

The Russian No. 18 seed is coming off a break to take a 2-1 lead in the deciding set.