The Australian government will grant tennis superstar Novak Djokovic a visa, allowing him to compete in the 2023 Australian Open.
Immigration minister Andrew Giles will grant Djokovic a visa, reversing a three-year ban that accompanied the previous government’s decision to cancel his visa on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open.
The then-Coalition government revoked Djokovic’s visa in January 2022 on the grounds that his recent Covid diagnosis did not justify an exemption to Australia’s vaccination requirement for visitors.
Although Djokovic was granted a temporary reprieve by the federal circuit court, the then immigration minister, Alex Hawke, decided to revoke his visa on the grounds that his presence in Australia posed a risk of “civil unrest” because he is “perceived by some as a symbol of a community of anti-vaccine sentiment.”
Djokovic lost a second federal court case, resulting in his deportation days before he was scheduled to compete in the tournament, where he was seeking his 10th Australian Open title and record 21st grand slam title.
Australia has since eliminated its vaccination requirement for visitors. To overturn the three-year ban, the minister must be convinced that compelling circumstances exist to permit the return of a person whose visa was previously revoked.
After winning his opening match at the ATP Finals in Turin on Monday night, Djokovic told reporters that he had heard “nothing official” from the Australian government.
“We are presently awaiting,” he stated. They are communicating with the Australian government. That is all I can say at this time.”
Earlier on Tuesday, Craig Tiley, the director of the Australian Open, expressed optimism that the Serbian tennis star would be permitted to compete in Australia.
“Everyone is currently undergoing a standard visa application procedure, and everyone will go through it at the appropriate time,” Tiley explained.
“I do not believe that anyone should receive preferential treatment. But I anticipate having an answer for everyone, including Novak, by the time they must book their flights and arrive.
“That decision rests solely with the Australian government. I am aware that Novak desires to play and return to competition.
“He loves Australia, and it’s where he’s had the most success, but the timing [of any announcement] is up to someone else, so we’ll play it by ear.
“He comprehends the situation and all, but he must negotiate with the federal government. I am optimistic they will achieve an agreement, and I hope it will be positive.”
