His vaccination status cost Novak Djokovic the title chance at the Australian Open in January. Despite an entry ban, he can now hope to participate again. Nothing would stand in the way of his hunt for his tenth title in Melbourne.
According to Australian media reports, tennis star Novak Djokovic should be able to take part in the upcoming Australian Open despite his entry ban. The 21-time Grand Slam tournament winner will receive a visa from the Australian government, the Guardian reported. The Australian TV broadcaster ABC also published similar information.
The 35-year-old Djokovic had tried to enter Australia without a corona vaccination in early 2022, but his visa was declared invalid. After days of forced quarantine in a deportation hotel and several court hearings in Melbourne, he had to leave the country one day before the start of the Australian Open. He was also given a three-year entry ban for the country.
Djokovic reported on Monday evening after his opening win at the ATP Finals that he hadn't heard anything official. "We're waiting. They're communicating with the Australian government," the 35-year-old said of members of his team. "That's all I can say right now."
Tournament director Craig Tiley was confident that Djokovic would be able to take part in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year again next January. He pointed out that there is a normal application process for a visa. "I think there shouldn't be any preferential treatment for anyone. But I expect to have an answer in time for everyone to book the flights and get into the country, including Novak."
After the Australian Open, Djokovic also missed the US Open in August this year because he was not allowed to enter the USA without being vaccinated. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, will take place in Melbourne from January 16th to 29th. The Serb has already won nine titles in Melbourne. Nothing would stand in the way of his hunt for the tenth title once a visa was issued.
