CNN
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Novak Djokovic could be welcomed to play on the Australian Open if he can download a visa, in step with event director Craig Tiley.
The former global No. 1 was once deported from Australia in January following a chronic saga, together with time in detention, combating his participation on this yr’s Australian Open because of his refusal to get vaccinated for Covid-19.
Under Australian regulation, Djokovic might be banned from the rustic for 3 years because of the instances surrounding his deportation, regardless that Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews didn’t rule out an exemption on the time.
Tiley stated on Wednesday that the Australian Open weren’t ready to foyer on Djokovic’s behalf in this subject, while explaining he has now not been in touch with the Australian govt in regards to the 21-grand slam winner’s visa.
If Djokovic is in a position to download a visa, Tiley stated the nine-time winner of the Australian Open could be accepted to play within the first grand slam of 2023.
“At this point, Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation and then we’ll follow any instruction after that,” Tiley instructed newshounds.
“It’s not a matter we can lobby on. 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.”
Tiley added: “(Djokovic) stated that he’d clearly love to come back again to Australia, however he is aware of it’s going to be an final choice for the government.
“He’s accepted that position. It’s a private matter between them but we’d like to welcome Novak back – he’s a nine-time champion – provided he gets the right entry requirements into Australia.”
The Serbian additionally didn’t play at this yr’s US Open as he stays unvaccinated towards Covid-19 and US laws on the time stipulated that any non-US citizen will have to be totally vaccinated towards the virus with a purpose to obtain a visa and input the rustic.
Tiley additionally stated that Russian and Belarusian gamers shall be allowed to take part below a impartial flag within the upcoming Australian Open.
Tennis government had prohibited athletes from each nations from festival at world group competitions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine previous this yr – they have been allowed to participant at common excursion occasions.
While the French Open and the United States Open allowed them to compete as neutrals, Wimbledon imposed an outright ban – then global No. 1 Daniil Medvedev was once barred from competing because of this.
“At this point, Russian and Belarusian players will be eligible to play in the Australian Open,” Tiley stated. “The best distinction shall be that they can not constitute Russia – can not constitute the flag of Russia.
“They cannot participate in any activity such as the anthem of Russia and they have to play as independent players under a neutral name. But they will be welcome to the Australian Open in January.”
The 2023 Australian Open starts on Monday, January 16 in Melbourne.
