Novak Djokovic to end Australian Open exile as visa ban is revoked

Novak Djokovic will return to the Australian Open this week after his visa ban was lifted by the government.

Djokovic is the tournament’s most successful ever singles player having won nine titles in Melbourne, but he was facing a lengthy exile from the country as a result of his deportation this year.

He was thrown out due to fears his views on vaccination would pose a threat to public health, and that deportation order came with an automatic three-year ineligibility to be granted a visa.

However, according to multiple reports in Australia, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has overturned that visa ban, freeing Djokovic to compete in January.

“What we’re saying at this point is that Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation. And then we’ll follow any instruction after that,” Tiley told The Age at the Australian Open launch last month.

“I did spend some time with Novak at the Laver Cup. We spoke generally. He said that he’d obviously love to come back to Australia but he knows it’s going to be an ultimate decision for the federal government.

“He’s accepted that position. It’s a private matter between them.”

Giles’ office has refused to comment, though, saying they cannot due to respecting the privacy of individuals. Any official confirmation, then, will have to come from Novak Djokovic himself.

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