Novak Djokovic granted visa to play in 2023 Australian Open

Guardian Australia and state broadcaster ABC reported on Tuesday that Novak Djokovic has been granted a visa to play at the Australian Open in January.

Djokovic, who is Serbian, was deported from Australia in the lead-up to the Grand Slam in January after refusing to be vaccinated. The former world No. 1 was originally banned from the country till 2025.

The ABC said it had confirmed that Immigration Minister Andrew Giles had overturned that ban, allowing Djokovic to compete.

A spokeswoman for Australia’s immigration ministry declined to comment on the reports.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tilley said this month that Djokovic would be welcome in January if he could get a visa, but Tennis Australia was unable to lobby on his behalf.

Australia in July scrapped a rule requiring international travelers to declare their Covid vaccination status, and Djokovic said in October he had “positive signs” about the status of efforts to lift his ban. Had met

Originally published at Pen 18