Djokovic reveals toll Australian Open ban took

2 years ago 91

Nine-time champion Novak Djokovic says he's "relieved" the national authorities has officially granted him a visa to vie successful adjacent year's Australian Open.

The 21-time expansive slam champion was deported from the state in January aft having his visa cancelled. The visa prohibition could person been successful unit for 3 years.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has approved the Serbian's exertion to revoke the cancellation.

"Since the cancellation of Mr Djokovic's visa successful January 2022, each COVID-19-related Australian borderline restrictions nether the Biosecurity Act 2015 person been removed, including the request to supply grounds of COVID-19 vaccination presumption to participate Australia," a connection says.

"Mr Djokovic has subsequently been granted a impermanent visa to participate Australia."

Speaking aft his 6-4, 6-1 triumph implicit Andrey Rublev astatine the ATP Finals successful Italy, Djokovic welcomed the decision.

"I was precise blessed to person the news," helium said.

"It was a relief, obviously, knowing what I and the radical closest to maine successful my beingness person been done this twelvemonth with what happened successful Australia and post-Australia.

"Australian Open has been my astir palmy Grand Slam. I made immoderate of the champion memories there. Of course, I privation to spell backmost there, I privation to play tennis, bash what I bash best, hopefully person a large Australian summer."

The Serbian is simply a nine-time victor successful Melbourne, including the past 3 times he's played the tournament.

He was banned from this year's lawsuit arsenic helium wasn't vaccinated against COVID-19.

For a regular dose of the champion of the breaking quality and exclusive contented from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!