Novak Djokovic granted visa to play in Australian Open

Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he’ll participate in subsequent 12 months’s Australian Open after being granted a visa.

“I used to be very blissful to obtain the information yesterday,” the 35-year-old Serb, who was despatched house from Australia on the eve of final 12 months’s occasion after a row about his COVID-19 vaccination standing, stated after his victory over Andrey Rublev on the ATP Finals on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, media shops in Australia reported that the immigration minister had overturned a possible three-year exclusion interval for Djokovic. The Australian Border Power has beforehand stated an exclusion interval may very well be waived in sure circumstances — and that every case can be assessed on its deserves.

The 21-time Grand Slam singles champion wasn’t allowed to defend his Australian Open title this 12 months after a tumultuous 10-day authorized saga over his COVID-19 vaccination standing that culminated along with his visa being revoked on the eve of the match.

Alex Hawke, Australia’s immigration minister on the time, used discretionary powers to cancel Djokovic’s visa on character grounds, stating he was a “talisman of a neighborhood of anti-vaccine sentiment.”

Australia has had a change of presidency and adjusted its border guidelines this 12 months and, since July 6, incoming vacationers not have to supply proof of COVID-19 vaccinations. That eliminated the main barrier to entry for Djokovic.

It allowed him to use to Giles, the brand new immigration minister, to rethink his visa standing. In his favor, Djokovic left Australia rapidly after his visa was revoked and has not publicly criticized Australian authorities.

Because the Division of Residence Affairs web site explains, candidates in Djokovic’s circumstances should clarify in writing to Australia’s border authorities why the exclusion interval must be put apart — “you need to present us that there are compassionate or compelling circumstances to place apart your re-entry ban and grant you the visa.”

Reuters and The Related Press contributed to this report.