Novak Djokovic would be welcomed to play at the Australian Open if he can obtain a visa, according to tournament director Craig Tiley.
Djokovic was deported from Australia in January following a prolonged saga as he refused to be vaccinated against Covid.
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews didn’t rule out an exemption for Djokovic at the time.
Tiley said on Wednesday that the Australian Open were not able to lobby on Djokovic’s behalf on this matter, whilst explaining he has not been in contact with the Australian government about the 21-grand slam winner’s visa.
“At this point, Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation and then we’ll follow any instruction after that,” Tiley told reporters.
“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.”
Tiley added: “(Djokovic) 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. 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 also didn’t play at this year’s US Open as he remains unvaccinated against Covid-19.
The vaccination against the virus was necessary in order to receive a visa and enter the country.
Neutral flag
Authorities had prohibited athletes from Russia and Belarus from competition at international competitions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year.
Affected athletes were however, allowed to compete in other competitions outside of majors with their flags.
While the French Open and the US Open allowed them to compete as neutrals, Wimbledon imposed an outright ban.
But at this point organisers would allow athletes from both nations to compete in their flags.
“At this point, Russian and Belarusian players will be eligible to play in the Australian Open,” Tiley said.
“The only difference will be that they cannot represent Russia – cannot represent the flag of Russia”.
“They cannot participate in activities such as the anthem of Russia and they’ve to play as independent players under neutrals. But they will be welcome to the Australian Open in January in they have visas.”
The 2023 Australian Open begins on Monday, January 16 in Melbourne.
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