Novak Djokovic told Australian Open won’t ‘lobby’ to have visa ban lifted

Novak Djokovic is far from certain to return to the Australian Open next year, with Craig Tiley saying the tournament won’t ‘lobby’ on his behalf.

Djokovic was at the centre of a political storm in Melbourne this year as he was sensationally deported due to his views on vaccination.

That deportation meant he has also been banned for three years from receiving a visa to enter the country, and he is seeking to have that lifted to allow him to compete next year.

He himself has appeared confident of that happening, and tournament director Tiley last week said they were ‘on track’ to having a full roster of players again in 2023.

However, Tiley is now mirroring the stance by the US Open by saying they will not get involved in the process and simply accept the government decision instead.

“It’s not a matter we can lobby on,” said Tiley. “Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation and then we’ll follow any instruction after that.

“It’s a matter that definitely stays between the two of them and then depending on the outcome of that we would welcome him to the Australian Open.”

No player has won more Australian Open titles than Novak Djokovic, who is also just one major behind Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam race.

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