Novak Djokovic may yet play in the 2023 Australian Open despite his continued refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19.
In January, the Serbian star became embroiled in an explosive visa saga that made headlines around the world, having initially been given a medical exemption to compete in Melbourne. However, he was detained upon his arrival in Victoria, having been found to have submitted false information on his immigration documents.
Eventually, a court ordered him to be deported a day before the tournament began. He was duly handed a three-year ban from revisiting the country, seemingly ruling him of competing down under until at least 2024.
He also missed the US Open this month, with unvaccinated personnel currently barred from entering America. It meant the French Open and Wimbledon, where he won a 21st Slam title, were the only two major tournaments he played this season.
However, the Australian Government are reportedly considering relaxing laws, which would open the door for Djokovic to secure a visa. Under the rumoured provisions, travellers would not need to provide proof of a Covid vaccination anymore.
Australian Open organisers are said to be privately keen to open the door for one of their star names to return. Djokovic has won at Melbourne Park nine times, with Rafael Nadal capitalising on his absence this year to take the title.
As of yet, authorities are still awaiting official confirmation. Unlike America, Australia has relaxed its travel laws this summer, with those coming in not needing to provide proof of being jabbed.
Djokovic, who was also forced to withdraw from events in Miami and Indian Wells this year, has insisted he won't be vaccinated in order to play tournaments. His views on Covid have long courted-controversy, with the former world No 1 forced to apologise in 2020 for organising the ill-fated Adria Tour.
But the 35-year-old's defiance has no doubt cost him dear in his bid to win more Slam titles than any other male player in history. Nadal's win down under, followed by him claiming the French Open in June, means he now sits on 22 majors, one clear of his rival.
