Novak Djokovic’s three-year suspension has been lifted by Australia, and he has been given a visa to compete in the 2023 Australian Open.
At the ATP Finals on Wednesday, Djokovic stated, “I was very happy to receive the news yesterday,”
Djokovic’s 2022 campaign was plagued by controversy due to his refusal to receive the COVID-19 shot. He believed he had a visa when he first landed in Australia, but the country later changed its mind and deported him, banning him for three years in the process.
But things have changed in the year that has passed since then. Due to a change in leadership, Australia no longer requires international visitors to receive certain vaccinations, and Djokovic’s three-year travel restriction was lifted in November.
Last month, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles declared that Djokovic, who had been threatened with deportation and a potential three-year ban, had been given a visa.
“I was very emotional, honestly, coming into the court, with the reception that I received. I didn’t know how that’s going to go after the events of last year,” Djokovic said. “I’m very grateful for the kind of energy and reception, love and support I got last night.”
Djokovic defeated then-No. 1 Roger Federer in straight sets to win the Australian Open in 2008, the first of his 21 Grand Slam victories. He has saved some of his best tennis for Melbourne Park’s hardcourts. He has a sparkling 82-8 singles record at the competition and has never lost in the championship round.
Once again competing in the Australian Open, Djokovic has the chance to tie Rafael Nadal for the most Grand Slam victories with his current record of 22. Djokovic, 35, a Serb, has been dealing with a hamstring strain, although he stated that it is “hopefully” not a serious concern.
There has been a lot of discussion regarding who won’t be attending this Australian Open in the run-up to it: Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Ash Barty all finished their playing careers in 2022. Carlos Alcaraz, ranked No. 1, and Venus Williams, a seven-time major champion, are both injured. Naomi Osaka, a former No. 1 and four-time Slam winner, last competed in a match in August. Simona Halep, another 메이저토토사이트 former top-ranked player, is currently serving a provisional doping suspension.
When the game starts, Djokovic will undoubtedly be in the spotlight, and most sportspeople appear to believe that he should be back on the field.