Novak Djokovic to be allowed to play Australian Open

MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic is about to be granted a visa to play in subsequent yr’s Australian Open regardless of his high-profile deportation in January.

The Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Tuesday mentioned it had confirmed newspaper experiences that the immigration minister had overturned a possible three-year exclusion interval for Djokovic.

The Australian Border Pressure has beforehand mentioned an exclusion interval could possibly be waived in sure circumstances — and that every case could be assessed on its deserves.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles’ workplace declined touch upon privateness grounds, which means any announcement on Djokovic’s visa standing must come from the 35-year-old Serbian tennis star.

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

Djokovic arrived at Melbourne Airport because the world’s top-ranked tennis participant with a visa he’d obtained on-line and what he believed to be a sound medical exemption to the nation’s strict legal guidelines for unvaccinated vacationers as a result of it was endorsed by Tennis Australia and the federal government of Victoria state, which hosts the event.

Confusion reigned, producing international headlines. Because it transpired, that medical exemption allowed him entry to the event, which required all gamers, followers and officers to be vaccinated for the coronavirus, however not essentially to enter the nation. It was rejected by the Australian Border Pressure.

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 altered its border guidelines this yr and, since July 6, incoming vacationers now not have to offer proof of COVID-19 vaccinations. That eliminated the most important barrier to entry for Djokovic.

It allowed him to use to new Immigration Minister Andrew Giles 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 In his favor, Djokovic left Australia rapidly after his visa was revoked and has not publicly criticized Australian authorities.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 – “it’s essential to present us that there are compassionate or compelling circumstances to place apart your re-entry ban and grant you the visa.”

Djokovic indicated Monday on the ATP Finals in Italy that his legal professionals had been speaking with the Australian authorities with a view to him contesting the Jan. 16-29 Australian Open.