Novak Djokovic to return to Australia after three-ban overturned: reports

Almost a year after being deported from Australia over his COVID-19 vaccine status, 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will be able to return after reportedly being set to receive a visa to play in the Australian Open in January.  

Multiple reports on Tuesday indicated that Immigration Minister Andrew Giles had overturned a potential three-year ban for Djokovic which followed a 10-day legal battle earlier this year when Djokovic’s visa was revoked after previously being granted a medical exemption to enter the country. 

The nine-time Australian Open winner has repeatedly defended his decision not to get vaccinated, which has seen him sit out several tournaments, most notably the Australian Open and the U.S. Open.

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“I don’t have any regrets. I mean, I do feel sad that I wasn’t able to play, but that was a decision that I made, and I knew what the consequences would be,” he said at the Laver Cup in September. “So I accepted them, and that’s it.” 

The Australian Open has been one of Djokovic’s most successful showings — he has won a record nine titles. He expressed his interest to return last month, adding that he holds no grudges over what transpired. 

“I really want to go there. I am over what happened this year, and I just want to play tennis. It is what I do best,” he said. “Australia has always been the place where I have played my best tennis. The results speak for themselves, so I am always extra motivated to go there. This time even more so.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.