After the scenarios and political fallout have been crunched and calculated, the Federal Government is unlikely to try and boot Novak Djokovic from Australia and will instead let him defend his Australian Open title, a former senior immigration official believes.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is right now considering whether the Australian government wants to dig its heels in and cancel Djokovic's visa, after the Serbian won his appeal in court, securing his liberty from a detention centre.
If his visa is cancelled, Djokovic will be promptly escorted back to a Melbourne detention centre, however former Immigration Department deputy secretary Abul Rizvi believes the government will shy away from that confrontational option while the world's media is hovering.
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"I think we're in real trouble here if cancellation is pursued," Mr Rizvi said.
"Just imagine the media crew that would be outside Mr Djokovic's hotel when Australian Border Force arrive to take him to a detention centre."
All eyes are now on Hawke and in particular an Australian immigration form signed by Djokovic, ahead of his arrival.
In response to a question asking if he travelled in the 14 days before his flight to Australia, Djokovic ticked "No".
But the World No.1 and nine-time Aussie Open champion was seen in Spain and Serbia in that two-week period, casting doubt on the veracity of the answer.
Hawke could conceivably deport Djokovic if the government finds and decides that form was filled in incorrectly.
But, Mr Rizvi said, the government would need to be ready for the ensuing media circus.
Some critics have argued Djokovic has become a convenient scapegoat for an Australian government facing criticism for its recent handling of the pandemic.
Mr Rizvi said any notice of cancellation would be delivered to Djokovic by Australian Border Force officers.
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The ABF would then take Djokovic from his hotel and escort him to a place of detention where he would be held until his next appeal is considered by the courts.
Mr Rizvi said the government faced "enormous difficulties" if they decide to pursue the cancellation option.
"If I was the decision maker I would not place a huge amount of emphasis on that little mistake," he said.
"But these things are viewed increasingly through a media and a public presentation prism and people make decisions that are sometimes not very logical."
It would be better, he said, for the government to sit down with Djokovic and work out ways to keep him and other players safe from infection, and how to present that to the public.
After winning his court battle and freedom, Djokovic held a practice yesterday afternoon at Rod Laver Arena.
Soon after, tournament organisers made him the top-seeded player in the men's singles draw.
The athlete was seen hitting shots from behind the baseline, taking feedback from his coach, and stretching beside the court with a trainer.
He spent four nights confined to an immigration hotel and now is getting back into the swing less than a week before the Grand Slam tournament starts.
The Australian Open is set to begin on January 17.
With Associated Press
