Novak Djokovic got the green light to play in the 2023 Australian Open after the government agreed to lift a three-year visit ban, according to an official source who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Serb has decided to appeal to be allowed to return to Australia in January after being deported earlier this season after going through two courts.
While all visitors to Australia must be vaccinated against COVID-19, the 2022 Wimbledon champion stated that he could enter Australia using a medical exemption. But the border authorities declared that the exemption was invalid and so was the visa. He was then transferred to an immigration facility before winning a case in court over how his case was handled. Then in the second trial, the high court upheld the government’s decision to deport the tennis star.
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Under applicable law, such deportations also result in the parties being barred from entering Australia for three years. However, the penalty awarded to Djokovic was overturned by the new government, which was reported to be more sympathetic to the situation than the previous administration.
Confirmation of the cancellation of the ban has been reported in The Sydney Morning Herald which is linked to a government source. It was not immediately clear when the Serbian international was informed of the decision after he was still waiting for an answer after his opening match at the ATP Finals.
“There is no official statement yet,” Novak Djokovic admitted. “We are still waiting. They communicate with the Australian government. That’s all I can say for now.”
Earlier, one of Tennis Australia’s top officials, Craig Tiley told AAP, he felt confident that the Serbian national would be allowed to play the Australian Open.
“There’s a normal visa application process that everyone is going through right now and everyone is going through it at the right time,” said Tiley. “I think there should be no preferential treatment for anyone.”
“But I am expected to have answers for everyone when they are going to book flights and enter Australia, including Novak. It depends on the Australian government. I know Novak wants to come, play and get back to competing here.”
“He loves Australia and it is here that he has had the best success, but again it all depends on the government and we will just have to wait and see.”
