Last week, Djokovic said that his lawyers were in talks with the Australian government. Then this week, news leaked that the Serbian was granted a Visa. That news has been confirmed.
Back in January, Djokovic was stopped from entering the country by the Australian Border Force because he did not meet the vaccination requirements. The deportation would have banned the 21-time Grand Slam winner from entering Australia for three years.
Then immigration minister Alex Hawke overturned Djokovic’s visa appeal. Since then, Australia has had a change of government and they have reinstated his visa.
In a statement, immigration minister Andrew Giles said:
“Mr. Djokovic has subsequently been granted a temporary visa to enter Australia.”
He is now clear to compete in the upcoming events that will kick off the 2023 tennis season. He received the news on Tuesday.
“I was very happy to receive the news yesterday. It was a relief, obviously, knowing what I and the people closest to me in my life have been through this year with what happened in Australia and post-Australia,” Djokovic said.
“Australian Open has been my most successful Grand Slam. 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.”
Djokovic had won the Australian Open nine times. He was the 2021 defending champion. In his absence, Rafael Nadal won this year’s title.