CNN
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Novak Djokovic could be welcomed to play on the Australian Open if he can acquire a visa, in keeping with match director Craig Tiley.
The former world No. 1 was deported from Australia in January following a chronic saga, together with time in detention, stopping his participation on this yr’s Australian Open attributable to his refusal to get vaccinated for Covid-19.
Under Australian legislation, Djokovic could possibly be banned from the nation for 3 years because of the circumstances surrounding his deportation, although Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews didn’t rule out an exemption on the time.
Tiley mentioned on Wednesday that the Australian Open weren’t capable of foyer on Djokovic’s behalf on this matter, while explaining he has not been in touch with the Australian authorities in regards to the 21-grand slam winner’s visa.
If Djokovic is ready to acquire a visa, Tiley mentioned the nine-time winner of the Australian Open could be permitted to play within the first grand slam of 2023.
“At this point, Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation and then we’ll follow any instruction after that,” Tiley instructed 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 to the Australian Open.”
Tiley added: “(Djokovic) mentioned that he’d clearly love to return again to Australia, however he is aware of it’s going to be an final resolution for the federal authorities.
“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 additionally didn’t play at this yr’s US Open as he stays unvaccinated towards Covid-19 and US guidelines on the time stipulated that any non-US citizen have to be absolutely vaccinated towards the virus to be able to obtain a visa and enter the nation.
Tiley additionally mentioned that Russian and Belarusian gamers shall be allowed to take part beneath a impartial flag within the upcoming Australian Open.
Tennis authorities had prohibited athletes from each international locations from competitors at worldwide crew competitions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this yr – they have been allowed to participant at common tour occasions.
While the French Open and the US Open allowed them to compete as neutrals, Wimbledon imposed an outright ban – then world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev was barred from competing because of this.
“At this point, Russian and Belarusian players will be eligible to play in the Australian Open,” Tiley mentioned. “The solely distinction shall be that they can not characterize Russia – can not characterize the flag of Russia.
“They cannot participate in any activity such as the anthem of Russia and they have to play as independent players under a neutral name. But they will be welcome to the Australian Open in January.”
The 2023 Australian Open begins on Monday, January 16 in Melbourne.