Novak Djokovic will compete at 2023 Australian Open as ban is overturned

Tuesday, 15 November 2022 at 08:30

byEvita Mueller

Novak Djokovic will be competing at the 2023 Australian Open after his three-year ban will be overturned.

According to Guardian, Djokovic will receive a visa from immigration minister Andrew Giles, ending a three-year ban that came along with the previous administration's decision to revoke his visa on ahead of the 2022 Australian Open.

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After winning his first match at the 2022 ATP Finals, the Serbian said: "Nothing official yet. We are waiting. They are communicating with the government of Australia. That's all I can tell you for now."

Soon, he received the official news and can therefore look forward towards the first Grand Slam of the next season. Before the news came on Tuesday, CEO of Tennis Australia and Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley said:

“There’s a normal visa application process that everyone is going through right now, and everyone will go through the right timing,” Tiley said. “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.”