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Australian Open chief says he would ‘love’ Novak Djokovic to return in 2023, but insists he has NO influence over the Serb’s three-year ban from entering Australia after he left in January expelled: ‘It is up to the federal government’
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Tennis Australia has said it will leave the country’s government to determine whether former world number one Novak Djokovic can enter the country ahead of the Australian Open in January.
The governing body does not intend to act on behalf of Djokovic, who has not been vaccinated against Covid-19 and is subject to a three-year ban from entering Australia, but can request an exemption from immigration minister Andrew Giles.
Earlier this year, Djokovic was deported from Australia just days before the start of the Open, as the Australian government ruled he had disrupted civil order and his presence undermined the country’s pandemic response.
Tennis Australia refuses Djokovic’s application to participate in the Australian Open
At the launch of the 2023 Open on Wednesday, Craig Tiley, CEO of Tennis Australia, told reporters: “What we are saying at this point is that Novak and the federal government need to resolve the situation. And then we follow every instruction.
“I did spend some time with Novak during the Laver Cup. We spoke in general. He said he would of course like to come back to Australia, but he knows it will be an ultimate decision for the federal government.
“He has accepted that position. It is a private matter between them. We would like to welcome Novak back – he is a nine-time champion.”
Tiley said the entry deadline for the tournament was in December and Djokovic should have determined his eligibility by then.
The Serb is subject to a three-year ban after being expelled from the country in January
Craig Tilley would like Djokovic to play next year but says the decision is not in his hands
Tiley also said players from Russia and Belarus – who were banned from Wimbledon this summer – were still eligible to participate, although Russian players would not be able to represent their country and instead act as independent athletes under a neutral flag. would play.
“Like any other player, they will have to go through a (visa) application process,” he said.
“The only difference would be that they cannot represent Russia, they cannot represent the flag of Russia, and they cannot participate in any activity such as (playing) the national anthem of Russia, and must play as independent players under a neutral (name of the country.
“But they are welcome at the Australian Open in January.”