Serbian tennis great Novak Djokovic is reportedly set to be given a huge boost over his Australian Open 2023 participation chances. The 21-time Grand Slam winner, who had missed the tournament last year over a visa issue, is likely to be given the nod this time despite still maintaining the same stance over Covid-19 vaccination. The Australian government is said to have decided to grant the unvaccinated Serb a visa, said national broadcaster ABC and a few other media outlets. Last year, a legal battle over Djokovic’s vaccination status prevented him from playing in this year’s tournament in Melbourne.
The media reports suggest that current Immigration Minister Andrew Giles will allow the world No. 8 to compete at this summer’s Australian Open. Australian Open director Craig Tiley also spoke on the matter, but suggested that ‘no preferential treatment’ will be given to anyone.
“There’s a normal visa application process that everyone is going through right now, and everyone will go through the right timing,” Tiley told AAP earlier on Tuesday. “I don’t think there should be any preferential treatment for anyone.
“But I fully expect to have an answer for everyone by the time that they need to book their flights and come in, including Novak.
“That’s entirely up to the Australian government. I know Novak wants to come and play and to get back to competing.
“He loves Australia and it’s where he’s had the best success but the timing (on any announcement) is up to somebody else and we’ll just play that one by ear.
“He understands the circumstances and everything but he’s got to work it out with the federal government. I’m confident they’ll reach some arrangement and hopefully it’s positive.”
In January this year, Djokovic’s visa was cancelled despite him reaching Australia for the Grand Slam. Only hours before, he had flaunted his “exemption permission” on Instagram.
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