Unvaccinated Novak Djokovic set for visa to play at 2023 Australian Open
- Immigration minister set to put aside three-year ban from entry Djokovic had faced as a foreign citizen whose visa was revoked
- The 21-time grand slam champion was deported from Australia in January because he is not vaccinated against Covid-19
A year after Novak Djokovic’s high-profile deportation from Australia because he is not vaccinated against Covid-19, the 21-time grand slam champion is set to be granted a visa to enter the country so he can compete at the Australian Open in January.
The Australian Broadcasting Corporation said on Tuesday it had confirmed newspaper reports that the immigration minister would put aside a potential three-year ban from entry that Djokovic, a 35-year-old from Serbia, had faced as a foreign citizen whose visa was revoked.
The Australian Border Force previously explained that exclusion period could be waived in certain circumstances – and that each case would be assessed on its merits.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles’ office declined to comment on privacy grounds.
Djokovic’s representatives did not immediately respond on Tuesday to a request for comment. He currently is taking part in the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, where he won his opening match on Monday against Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-6(4) and is next expected to play – and speak to the media – on Wednesday against Andrey Rublev.
After Monday’s victory, Djokovic indicated that his lawyers were in touch with the Australian government with an eye to him being able to contest the Australian Open, which runs from January 16-29.