Djokovic: “Positive signs” about entering Australia

Nine-times Australian Open winner Novak Djokovic said there are “positive signs” that his three-year ban on entering Australia will be lifted so he can play in his first Grand Slam in January.

The 35-year-old Serbian player was deported from the country in the run-up to the Australian Open, for refusing to receive a vaccine against the Corona virus.

The former world number one said he hoped to hear soon whether his attempt to overturn the 3-year visa ban by the government had been successful.

“When it comes to Australia,” Djokovic told Serbian website Sportal in an interview. There are some positive signs, but unofficially. We are communicating through my legal representative in Australia. In fact, they are communicating with the authorities responsible for my case.”

“I hope to get an answer in the next few weeks, whatever that answer is, but of course I hope to get a positive answer, so that I have enough time to prepare for the start of the season, if it is in Australia.”

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has repeatedly reiterated its policy of not commenting on individual cases.

Djokovic still refuses to receive the Corona vaccine, but in July Australia scrapped a rule requiring foreign travelers to declare their vaccination status against the virus.

Opposition MP and former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said earlier this month that removing Djokovic’s ban would be a “slap in the face” for Australians who have already been vaccinated.

Australian Open director Craig Tilly said earlier this month that Djokovic would be welcome if he could obtain a visa, but that the Australian Football Association would not push for a visa to enter the country.

Djokovic, who is now seventh in the world rankings, confirmed that he will end his season by participating in the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals in Turin, and would like to start his campaign in 2023 from Australia.

The 21 Grand Slam champion said: “I want to go there. I got over what happened this year and just want to play tennis, that’s what I do best. Australia has always been a place where I gave my best tennis and the results speak for themselves, So I am always very excited to go there. This time more than ever, I hope to get a positive answer.”