Australian media is reporting that Novak Djokovic’s ban from entering Australia is set to be overturned, which means everything is set for the Serb’s return to the Australian Open.
JUST IN: Novak Djokovic has been cleared to play at the 2023 Australian Open, with his three-year ban from the country set to be overturned.
#9News pic.twitter.com/mszOcYc02T — 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) November 15, 2022
Earlier this year, Djokovic was shockingly deported and banned from entering Australia for three years. But shortly after Djokovic was deported from Australia, the government said he could “return earlier under the right circumstances.”
According to Australian media, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles is ready to grant Djokovic a visa and allow the record nine-time Australian Open champion to return to Melbourne Park in January. Recently, Djokovic said there were “positive signs coming from Australia.”
Now, he has received the best possible news ahead of the 2023 season.
Australian Open boss is ‘all good’ with Djokovic
Just before Australian media broke the news, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley gave a strong indication that Djokovic would be allowed to play.
“There’s a normal visa application process that everyone is going through right now, and everyone will go through the right timing. 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;” Tiley told AAP.
Also, Tiley confirmed that his relationship with Djokovic was “fine.” “It’s funny. I’ve spoken to Novak a few times. We caught up and spent some time together in London and he’s fine. Our relationship is fine.
He played the Laver Cup and it was really nice to be able to spend some private time with him. I want to have all the best players in the world here.” Djokovic is a record nine-time Australian Open champion and he won three consecutive titles at Melbourne Park before being denied participation this year.
