Novak Djokovic is welcome at Australian Open, says match director; Russian and Belarusian gamers can compete

Muricas News  — 

Novak Djokovic can be welcomed to play on the Australian Open if he can acquire a visa, in line with match director Craig Tiley.

The former world No. 1 was deported from Australia in January following a protracted saga, together with time in detention, stopping his participation on this yr’s Australian Open resulting from his refusal to get vaccinated for Covid-19.

Below Australian regulation, Djokovic could possibly be banned from the nation for 3 years because of the circumstances surrounding his deportation, although Dwelling Affairs Minister Karen Andrews didn’t rule out an exemption on the time.

Tiley stated on Wednesday that the Australian Open weren't capable of foyer on Djokovic’s behalf on this matter, while explaining he has not been in touch with the Australian authorities concerning the 21-grand slam winner’s visa.

If Djokovic is ready to acquire a visa, Tiley stated the nine-time winner of the Australian Open can be permitted to play within the first grand slam of 2023.

“At this level, Novak and the federal authorities have to work out the scenario after which we’ll observe any instruction after that,” Tiley informed reporters.

“It’s not a matter we will foyer on. It’s a matter that undoubtedly stays between the 2 of them after which relying on the end result of that we might welcome him to the Australian Open.”

Tiley added: “(Djokovic) stated that he’d clearly love to return again to Australia, however he is aware of it’s going to be an final resolution for the federal authorities.

“He’s accepted that place. It’s a non-public matter between them however we’d prefer to welcome Novak again – he’s a nine-time champion – supplied he will get the correct entry necessities into Australia.”

The Serbian additionally didn’t play at this yr’s US Open as he stays unvaccinated towards Covid-19 and US guidelines on the time stipulated that any non-US citizen should be absolutely vaccinated towards the virus with the intention to obtain a visa and enter the nation.

Tiley additionally stated that Russian and Belarusian gamers might be allowed to take part beneath a impartial flag within the upcoming Australian Open.

Tennis authorities had prohibited athletes from each international locations from competitors at worldwide group competitions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this yr – they have been allowed to participant at common tour occasions.

Whereas the French Open and the US Open allowed them to compete as neutrals, Wimbledon imposed an outright ban – then world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev was barred from competing consequently.

“At this level, Russian and Belarusian gamers might be eligible to play within the Australian Open,” Tiley stated. “The one distinction might be that they can't symbolize Russia – can not symbolize the flag of Russia.

“They can't take part in any exercise such because the anthem of Russia and so they must play as unbiased gamers beneath a impartial title. However they are going to be welcome to the Australian Open in January.”

The 2023 Australian Open begins on Monday, January 16 in Melbourne.