Tennis News: Novak Djokovic may play Australian Open in 2023 - Govt to lift the ban

Novak Djokovic has preferred to remain unvaccinated against Covid-19. His decision shocked the world and he was banned from multiple countries. 

Although he has claimed to have a neutral stance on the vaccine, he is now seen as the poster boy of the anti-vax moment. Before the Australian Open, the 35-year-old's visa was canceled in January 2022.

Several outlets have claimed that immigration minister Andrew Giles is ready to overturn Novak Djokovic's three-year ban, which was an aftermatch of his visa cancellation. 

The then-Coalition government canceled Novak Djokovic's visa, citing that his stay in Australia could initiate "civil unrest" due to his image. It was imposed "on health and good order grounds", and the Serbian had to leave on the eve of the grand slam. 

He began to be seen as a talisman of a community of anti-vaccine sentiment. Novak Djokovic still tried to enter Australia with the idea that a recent Covid diagnosis would spare him from the standard rule that states a foreigner should get vaccinated before entering the country. 

However, he was deported before starting his bid for the tenth Australian Open title and 21st Grand Slam of his career. Now that Australia's vaccination requirement is off the table, the Serb will be allowed to enter the country for the January event.

He revealed that his lawyers and the government still needed to agree on Tuesday. "Nothing official yet," he shared. "We are waiting. They are communicating with the government of Australia. That's all I can tell you for now."

The Australian government lifts Novak Djokovic's ban

The 35-year-old, having set up an outstanding record at the Australian Open, wants to play in the tournament next year. In November, he shared his thoughts about the ban. 

"I am over what happened this year and I just want to play tennis, it is what I do best. Australia has always been the place where I have played my best tennis, the results speak for themselves, so I am always extra motivated to go there. This time even more so."

"I am hoping for a positive answer," he added. He was awaiting permission again and had high hopes considering the ban was lifted for unvaccinated foreigners travelling to Australia.

Novak Djokovic had a brilliant start to the ATP Finals in Turin, where he beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) in the round-robin stage and ended the Greek's hopes of finishing the year at the top spot.

Novak Djokovic is currently the world's number eight because he couldn't compete in two majors due to his vaccination status, the second being the US Open. In addition, the point system was written off for Wimbledon due to the ban imposed on Russian and Belarusian players. 

So despite winning the tournament, Novak Djokovic didn't receive any championship points.