Game, set, match for Novak Djokovic Open ban

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic will return to the Australian Open in 2023, with his three-year ban on entering the country likely to be overturned.

Novak Djokovic will get a shot at extending his unprecedented Austral­ian Open record to a 10th title. Picture: Getty Images

Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic will return to the Australian Open in 2023, with his three-year ban on entering the country likely to be overturned.

Djokovic’s vaccine stance led to his deportation in January after the Federal Court cancelled his visa on the grounds that his presence would undermine the nation’s Covid response while inciting anti-jab sentiment.

The Australian understands Immigration Minister Andrew Giles’ decision on revoking the ban is imminent, giving the former world No. 1 a shot at extending his unprecedented Austral­ian Open record to a 10th title.

The 21-time grand slam winner was originally granted a medical exemption by both Tennis Australia and the Victorian Health Department to compete in the 2022 tournament but was detained by Australian Border Force on arrival.

He was released on the basis that he was not afforded sufficient time to seek legal advice in a move reversed by then immigration minister Alex Hawke, who used his powers to cancel the tennis champion’s visa on “health and good order grounds”.

The Migration Act stipulates Djokovic is barred from returning to Australian shores for three years, given he was deported on such grounds, but Mr Giles appears set overrule the ban in time for the 2023 edition of the Open, which begins on January 16.

Mr Giles needs to allow Djokovic to apply for a visa and cancel his three-year ban to tick off his return.

The government rescinded the requirement for those entering Australia to be vaccinated against Covid in July.

Djokovic, now world No. 8, competed in the French Open and at Wimbledon this year but was blocked from entering the US Open in August because of the US government’s continued vaccination requirements.

He claimed his 21st grand slam title at Wimbledon, defeating Nick Kyrgios to break his tie of 20 majors with Roger Federer and edge closer to Rafael Nadal’s 22.

Djokovic on Monday said his path back to Australia had not been officially cleared yet, telling reporters at an ATP tournament in Turin that he was awaiting confirmation.