Novak Djokovic versus Australia, continuation and end? Still inadmissible to this day, the nine-time winner of the Australian Open will benefit from a visa allowing him to participate in the tournament in January (January 16-29), the first lifting of the Grand Slams, a year after his expulsion. of the country due to his lack of vaccination against Covid, the country’s media reported on Tuesday. The Australian Department of Immigration and the Australian Tennis Federation have yet to comment on the announcement.
The case seemed to be on the right track in recent weeks, thanks to the change of government in Australia. The conservative coalition in power at the time of the Serb’s expulsion has since been replaced by a centre-left cabinet led by Labor Anthony Albanese. In the running this week for the ATP Masters in Turin (Italy), the current world number 8 was still careful on Monday. “There is nothing official yet. We are waiting. They [ses avocats] are talking to the Australian government, that’s all I can say at this time.”said the Serb.
Last month, Australian Open director Craig Tiley said he had spent time with the player and assured that he wanted to play the first Grand Slam of 2023. Tiley had benefited from an interview with the newspaper Australian The Age to urge both parties to find a solution. «Il [Djokovic] said he would obviously like to return to Australia, but he knows the final decision will rest with the federal government. He accepted this position. It’s a private matter between them.”had then explained the person in charge.
Legal battle
It was no longer the status of unvaccinated that prevented the star’s presence in Melbourne at the 21 Majors – Australia having lifted the obligation for visitors to present proof of vaccination – but the inadmissibility from which he is the subject in this country. Last January, after being detained on his arrival in Melbourne, Djokovic had indeed been expelled and sentenced to a three-year ban on entering the territory, after an intense legal battle. The lifting of this ban is at the discretion of the government of Anthony Albanese.
The refusal to vaccinate against Covid-19 largely upset the 2022 season of the 35-year-old Serbian champion: in addition to the Australian Open in January, he had to give up the US Open this summer as well as other tournaments. Americans, entry into the United States remaining subject to the vaccination obligation. This return to southern land gives Djokovic the opportunity to snag a record tenth success in this tournament. And so to become again in the event of victory co-holder of the number of Grand Slam victories, tied with Rafael Nadal and his 22 titles.