Decision finally made on Djokovic’s Aus Open future

After months of speculation, authorities have handed down their judgment on whether the Serbian tennis ace will be allowed to play.

Novak Djokovic at Brighton Beach after winning the 2021 Australian Open Men's Final. Picture: Getty Images

Novak Djokovic is set to play in the Australian Open with his three-year ban on entering Australia now overturned and a visa granted.

The Herald Sun can reveal the Serbian tennis star is on the verge of finding out about his future at the grand slam, with federal government sources confirming a decision had been made to revoke the ban and grant him a temporary visa.

Djokovic was sensationally deported in January, after the Federal Court upheld a decision to cancel his visa on “health and good order grounds” because his presence in Australia could stoke anti-vaccine sentiment and threaten to undermine the nation’s Covid-19 response.

Novak Djokovic leaving the Park Hotel in 2022 after his visa was cancelled by the Australian government. Picture: Getty Images

Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley last month publicly backed the tennis ace returning to Melbourne to play in the Australian Open.

In a statement to the Herald Sun on Tuesday night, Tennis Australia said Djokovic would be welcome back at Melbourne Park.

“If the federal government decides to allow Novak Djokovic to return, he will be welcome at the Australian Open in January,” it said.

“Novak is a nine-time Australian Open champion and we want the best players at the AO to ensure a great event for players and fans.”

The world No.8 was this year unable to compete at the Australian Open and US Open because he was unvaccinated against Covid.

The decision to grant Djokovic a visa would enable him to play in his first grand slam since Wimbledon and vie for his record 10th title at Melbourne Park.

Speaking at the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy, Djokovic on Monday said there was “nothing official yet” but his lawyers were in talks with Australian officials.

“We are waiting. They are communicating with the government of Australia. That’s all I can tell you for now,” he said.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles will use his ministerial discretion to lift the ban on Djokovic re-entering Australia. Picture: Mick Tsikas

In late October, Djokovic said he had received some “positive signs” that he would be allowed to play in the tournament, which kicks off on January 16.

The former world No.1 said he hoped to soon have an answer so that he had enough time to prepare for the start of the tennis season.

The federal government scrapped the Covid vaccination requirement to enter Australia in July.

But Djokovic required two ticks of approval from Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to get the green light to play in the Open.

This involves Mr Giles using his ministerial discretion to lift the bar to allow Djokovic to apply for a visa, as well as cancel the three-year ban on re-entering Australia.

A spokeswoman for Mr Giles said the government would not comment on individual cases due to privacy.

Premier Daniel Andrews says it’s important the world’s best tennis players are allowed into Melbourne for the Australian Open. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

On Wednesday, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said it was important that the world’s best tennis players were allowed into Melbourne in January to take part in the Australian Open.

“We had a one-in-100-year event. Covid exceptionalism is over,” the Premier said when asked about the overturning of Novak Djokovic’s visa ban.

“The Australian Open is a fantastic event. London, Paris, New York and Melbourne — (there are) only four cities in the world with grand slam tennis. It’s a fantastic event.

“Big events are great for jobs. That’s why we support the Australian Open.

“You want the best players in the world there.”

Mr Andrews said he couldn’t confirm if he would attend the 2023 event to watch Mr Djokovic’s quest for a tenth Australian Open title.

Asked if he supported the federal government’s decision to overturn the controversial ban, Mr Andrews repeatedly said: “Visas are issued by the Commonwealth government”.

Mr Andrews also shut down suggestions that Mr Djokovic’s initial visa exception was facilitated by the Victorian government.

“That’s simply not right,” he said

“Visas are issued by the Commonwealth.”

Opposition immigration spokesman Dan Tehan said as a tennis lover, he’d “love to see Novak back playing at the Australian Open”.

“However, the government must ensure that its decision is a considered one that protects the integrity of our immigration system,” Mr Tehan said.

“The government must also be transparent with the public about their decision-making process and how it protects the integrity of our immigration system.”

Former home affairs minister Karen Andrews has previously said that overturning Djokovic’s three-year ban from entering Australia would be a “slap in the face” for vaccinated Australians.

She said if there was a change in the ban resulting from a new set of circumstances for Djokovic, then the Albanese government needed to apply the same rule equally to others in the same circumstances.

Tennis Australia has engaged immigration experts ahead of the upcoming Open following the controversial Djokovic visa bungle.