Novak Djokovic is likely to be granted a visa to play in the 2023 Australian Open, local media reports said on Tuesday.
He was deported from Australia ahead of this year’s tournament in January.
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According to national broadcaster ABC, The Australian government has decided to grant the Serb a visa for the Grand Slam, overturning a three-year ban.
This year’s Australian Open was overshadowed by nine-time champion Djokovic being deported on the eve of the Slam after a dramatic legal battle.
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Djokovic’s three-year ban can be overturned at the discretion of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s centre-left government, which is different to the conservative coalition in power when he was kicked out.
Over the past month there have been hints that the Australian government might have a change of heart.
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Last month, Australian Open chief Craig Tiley said he had spent time with Djokovic recently and the Serb wanted to return for the first major of the year in January in Melbourne.
“What we’re saying at this point is that Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation. And then we’ll follow any instruction after that,” Tiley told The Age newspaper at the tournament’s official launch.
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“I did spend some time with Novak at the Laver Cup,” Tiley added.
“He said that he’d obviously love to come back to Australia but he knows it’s going to be an ultimate decision for the federal government. He’s accepted that position.”
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Australia does not require for visitors to show proof of vaccination against Covid anymore.
