Reversal of visa ban means Novak Djokovic can play at 2023 Australian Open

Having banned international tennis star Novak Djokovic from entering the country for three years as of January 2022, the Australian Government has overturned its visa ban on the player meaning he will be able to compete in next January’s Australian Open tournament.

The Serbian tennis star detention by Australian authorities over his refusal to be vaccinated against Coronavirus dominated news during the lead up to the Australian Open in January. He was deported from the country 10 days later, despite mounting a successful legal challenge.

However, Australia’s new Immigration Minister Andrew has overturned the ban and is set to grant Djokovic.

Speaking yesterday, Australian Open Tournament Director, Craig Tiley said he was confident that Djokovic would play in next year's opening Grand Slam, telling the Australian Associated Press "I know Novak wants to come and play and to get back to competing.

"He loves Australia and it's where he's had the best success."

The tennis champion earlier this year told the BBC he flew into Australia believing he had obtained the medical exemptions required.

However, he was detained and questioned by border officials in Melbourne on 5th January, and his visa was cancelled in the early hours of the following morning.

Having been advised that his visa ban had been lifted, the 21-time Grand Slam champion told reporters at the ATP Finals in Turin after reaching the semi-finals, "I could not receive better news.

"It was a relief obviously knowing what I and people closest to me in my life have been through this year with what happened in Australia and post Australia obviously.

"(The) Australian Open has been my most successful Grand Slams. I made some of the best memories there.

"Of course, I want to go back there, I want to play tennis, do what I do best, hopefully have a great Australian summer."