Tennis star Novak Djokovic is said to be with the Australian Open can start. According to media reports, the Australian government has lifted the entry ban for Djokovic.
As the “New York Times” reported the minister responsible for immigration Andrew Giles on Tuesday (15.11.2022) the entry ban against the 21-times Grand-Slam-winner lifted. Djokovic’s visa was invalidated last January, shortly before the start of the Australian Open, due to insufficient vaccination status. The government at the time had also imposed a three-year entry ban.
After Immigration Minister Giles has now lifted this, Djokovic can apply for a visa again – and will probably receive it. Zvor had already “Guardian Australiareports that the country’s authorities will overturn the January decision and give the green light for the Serb to enter the country.
Djokovic expelled from Australia in January due to vaccination status
Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against the corona virus, had to leave the country after entering the Australian Open in January of this year after a legal dispute. Since then, however, Australia has relaxed the strict entry requirements; since July, proof of vaccination has no longer been required for people entering the country from abroad.
Djokovic told reporters on Monday evening after his opening win at the ATP Finals that he hadn’t heard anything official. “We are waiting. They are communicating with the Australian government”the 35-year-old said of members of his team. “That’s all I can say right now.”
Tournament boss Tiley: “No preferential treatment
Tournament director Craig Tiley was confident that Djokovic would be able to take part in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year again next January. He pointed out that there is a normal application process for a visa.
“I think there shouldn’t be any preferential treatment for anyone. But I expect to have an answer in time for everyone to book the flights and get into the country, including Novak.”
After the Australian Open, Djokovic also missed the US Open in August this year because he was not allowed to enter the USA without being vaccinated. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, will take place in Melbourne from January 16th to 29th.
