Novak Djokovic ‘cleared to play’ Australian Open despite visa deportation, says report

Novak Djokovic will be allowed to return to Slam competition in Melbourne in 2023 according to reports out of Australia. 

The 21-time Major champion was deported from the country ahead of the 2022 event after his visa was revoked on the grounds that he might ‘excite anti-vaccine sentiment’ Down Under, and was automatically banned from re-entering the country for three years.

However, Djokovic has been “cleared to play” the Australian Open this coming January and can apply for a visa despite remaining unvaccinated against Covid-19, according to the Herald Sun.

That would give the former world number one the opportunity to add a 10th title in Melbourne to his long list of accolades, as well as to draw level with GOAT rival Rafael Nadal on 22 Major singles titles.

Djokovic’s deportation meant that his run of consecutive appearances at the Australian Open ended at 17 after making his debut in 2005, and it was just the second time in 68 Major events that he was not able to participate.

After winning Wimbledon in July, with his visa ban in Australia and being barred from entering the US due to his vaccination status, it looked as though Djokovic would not play at Slam level for another 11 months or so before the 2023 French Open. But with this news that wait is set to be only about six and a half months.

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