After the discussion on the status of vaccinations
Despite the entry ban: Tennis star Novak Djokovic should apparently receive a visa for the Australian Open
Tennis star Novak Djokovic has effectively been banned from entering Australia for three years
©Marco Bertorello/AFP
His vaccination status cost Novak Djokovic his title shot at the Australian Open in January. Despite the entry ban, he can now hope to participate again.
According to Australian media reports, tennis star Novak Djokovic is expected to be able to take part in the upcoming Australian Open despite his entry ban. The 21-time Grand Slam winner will receive a visa from the Australian government, the Guardian first reported on Tuesday.
Djokovic had to leave Australia in January
Djokovic, who has not been vaccinated against the corona virus, had to flee the country after entering the Australian Open in January this year after a legal dispute. He was also granted a three-year entry ban for the country.
Djokovic reported Monday night after his first ATP Finals win that he hadn’t heard anything official. “We are waiting. They are communicating with the Australian government,” the 35-year-old said of his team members. “That’s all I can say right now.”
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Tournament director Craig Tiley was confident that Djokovic would be able to take part again in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year next January. He stressed that there is a normal visa application process. “I think there shouldn’t be any favorable treatment for anyone. But I expect to have an answer in time for everyone to book flights and enter 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 US without being vaccinated. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, will take place in Melbourne from 16 to 29 January.
