Australian Open: Novak Djokovic receives positive signals
It is still unclear whether Novak Djokovic will be allowed to start at the Australian Open 2023. An immigration lawyer gave the Serb hope that he could take part.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Oct 14, 2022, 09:27 am
Although the world rankings do not show Novak Djokovic as number one, there are currently hardly any arguments not to call the Serb the best player in the world at the moment. The 21-time Grand Slam winner recently demonstrated this status with his victories in Tel Aviv and Astana, and Djokovic is now also qualified for the ATP Finals in Turin.
The fact that Djokovic is currently only seventh in the ATP ranking is due to the fact that he missed two Grand Slam tournaments this season with the Australian Open and US Open due to the lack of vaccination against the corona virus (and in Wimbledon no points were awarded). And there is currently a big question mark behind his Melbourne start in 2023.
Three-year entry ban for Djokovic
Because after a legal dispute at the beginning of the year, Djokovic was expelled from the country and given a three-year entry ban for Australia. According to the Australian Border Protection Agency, this can be lifted under certain circumstances, and each case will be examined individually.
If you believe the words of immigration lawyer Kon-ming Tsai, Djokovic could have a good chance of participating in the Australian Open. "There is no risk factor in letting him re-enter the country," the expert told the Associated Press on Thursday. In his opinion, the entry of the Serbs is "in the best interest" of the country, according to Tsai.
Djokovic with good chances of success?
"He will not pose a problem for the community. He is one of the best tennis players in the world and will be able to attract a lot of foreign visitors," said Tsai, who attested Djokovic's good chances of getting his entry permit granted.
Recently, however, there had also been critical voices from Australia regarding Djokovic's entry. Among other things, Karen Holmes, the former Minister for Home Affairs, spoke out against lifting the ban .