Novak Djokovic has been given the green light to play at the Australian Open after the government agreed to lift his three-year ban, according to official sources speaking on condition of anonymity.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion had launched an appeal to be allowed to return to the country in January following his deportation earlier this year after two high-profile court hearings.
During a time when all entrants into Australia were required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, Djokovic said he was told he could enter via a medical exemption. However, the Australian border Force declared that exemption to be invalid and therefore his visa. Djokovic was moved to an immigration facility before winning a court hearing over how his case was handled. Then in a second legal hearing, the High Court backed the government’s decision to deport the tennis star.
Under national law, deportations such as these also carry a three-year ban from re-entering. However, that penalty inflicted on Djokovic has been removed by the newest government who are reportedly more sympathetic to the situation than its predecessors.
Confirmation of the Visa ban being lifted has been reported by The Sydney Morning Herald which has been in contact with ‘sources close to the government.’ It is unclear as to when Djokovic was informed about the decision after saying on Monday evening at the ATP Finals that he was still waiting for an answer.
“Nothing official yet,” he replied when asked.
“We are waiting. They are communicating with the government of Australia. That’s all I can tell you for now.”
Earlier in the day, Tennis Australia Craig Tiley told the AAP that he was confident Djokovic would be allowed to play in the tournament. The tennis official was criticized by some over his handling of the tennis star’s medical exemption in January which officials deemed invalid.
“There’s a normal visa application process that everyone is going through right now, and everyone will go through the right timing,” Tiley told AAP.
“I don’t think there should be any preferential treatment for anyone.
“But I fully expect to have an answer for everyone by the time they need to book their flights and come in, including Novak.
“That’s entirely up to the Australian government. I know Novak wants to come and play and to get back to competing.
“He loves Australia and it’s where he’s had the best success but the timing [on any announcement] is up to somebody else and we’ll just play that one by ear.”
Djokovic is the most successful male player in Australian Open history with nine titles to his name and has won the past three editions he has played in. He is yet to publicly comment on being allowed to return to the tournament.
The Australian Open will begin on January 16th.
