Tennis star Novak Djokovic wants to play the Australian Open in January next year despite the entry ban. This was announced by tournament director Craig Tiley. It is up to the Serbs themselves to clarify “the situation” with the government.
Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against Covid-19, had to leave Australia after entering the Australian Open in January this year after a legal dispute. He was also granted a three-year entry ban for the country.
Speaking with the 35-year-old at the Laver Cup about the situation, Tiley told The Age newspaper: “He said he obviously would like to go back to Australia, but he knows that ultimately the decision rests with the federal government.” The longtime number one in the world rankings “accepted this point of view”.
Criticism of possible special treatment for nine-time tournament winner comes from opposition politics Karen Andrews, who was Djokovic’s interior minister at the time of his deportation. “It would be a slap in the face of the Australian people if Novak Djokovic were suddenly allowed to return to the country just because he is a top tennis player,” Andrews told ABC radio.
In addition to the Australian Open, Djokovic also missed the US Open in August this year because he was not allowed to enter the United States without being vaccinated. The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, will take place in Melbourne from January 16-29. (Dpa)
