What now for Novak Djokovic?

The fall-out from the 34-year-old's very public stand-off with the Australian government raises questions not just about his bid for a record 21st Grand Slam title -- it could affect him in many other ways.Court costsHe made a bit more history at the Australian Open in being the first tennis world number one to be deported and the repercussions of his absence could be monumentally costly for him on court.If 35-year-old Nadal falls short, Djokovic could lose out in another way -- his record two-year reign as world number one could be ended if either Daniil Medvedev or Alexander Zverev win the Australian title for the first time.Djokovic has made no secret that his friend Medvedev is his most likely successor."I'm sure he's going to get it eventually, and when he does, it's completely deserved," Djokovic said then.Djokovic has earned an estimated $150 million during his stellar career.Djokovic's Lacoste contract was his most lucrative, valued at around $9 million by several American media outlets."As soon as is possible we will be in touch with Novak Djokovic to talk about the events in Australia," read a Lacoste statement.The Green Bay Packers quarterback lost only a minor sponsor last year, who took a dim view of both his anti-vaccine stance and his claim that his critics were "a woke mob".   Nadal winning the Australian Open would require Djokovic to win two more Grand Slam titles to be the sole holder of the record number of singles titles. The Spaniard has only won the Australian crown once and lost the four other finals he has contested in Melbourne.However, the very reason for his deportation from Australia could change the complexion of his future career because Covid is not going away anytime soon and nor will the regulations regarding vaccination made by ever cautious governments.The French sports ministry said a new vaccine pass, approved by the parliament on Sunday, "applies to everyone, to volunteers and to elite sportspeople, including those coming from abroad, until further notice.""It is an objective, yes, to prove that I can break all the records," Djokovic said last November. "I'm very motivated to carry on."pi/gj...