Djokovic happy to receive Aussie visa
Novak Djokovic confirmed on Wednesday he has received a visa to travel to Melbourne to play in the 2023 Australian Open, after he was deported last January over his vaccine status.
"I was very happy to receive the news yesterday (Tuesday). It was a relief," the Serbian said after beating Andrey Rublev in the ATP Finals in Turin.
On Tuesday, Australian media reported that the government had decided to grant the unvaccinated Serbian a visa, overturning a three-year ban after his ejection from the country. This year's championship was overshadowed by nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic being put on a plane on the eve of the contest after a high-stakes legal battle over his visa status.
Australia has lifted the requirement for visitors to show proof of Covid vaccination, and the threeyear 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. —