Will he play in the Australian Open?
The Australian government has to make a decision because of Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (35) has been banned from entering Australia, but the Serb wants to compete at the Australian Open. The final decision rests with the government, with competition organizers absolving themselves of responsibility.
Although the country’s exit in January is drama: Novak Djokovic has not given up hope of returning to Australia in January.
Novak Djokovic will play at the Australian Open next January despite the ban, tournament director Craig Tiley explains.
It is the Serbs who clarify the “situation” with the government. Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against Covid-19, had to leave Australia after a legal dispute after entering the Australian Open in January this year. He was also banned from entering the country for three years.
Speaking about the situation at the Laver Cup, the 35-year-old told Daily The Age newspaper: “Of course he said he wanted to come back to Australia, but he knows the decision is ultimately up to the federal government. .» The long-time world No. 1 “embraced this point of view”.
“That would be a slap in the face.”
Criticism of possible special treatment for the nine-time tournament winner came from opposition politician Karen Andrews, who was Djokovic’s home minister at the time of his deportation. “It would be a slap in the face to the people of Australia if Novak Djokovic was suddenly allowed to return to the country as a great tennis player,” Andrews told ABC radio.
Besides the Australian Open, Djokovic missed the US Open in August and other major tournaments this year in Indian Wells, Miami, Montreal and Cincinnati because he was not allowed to enter North America without vaccination. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, will be held in Melbourne from January 16 to 29. (SDA)
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