 |
| Novak Djokovic during Monday's opening match of the ATP Finals in Turin. |
Australia paved the way for tennis star Novak Djokovic to win his 22nd Grand Slam title at the next Australian Open.
Officials confirmed on Tuesday that his visa revocation a decision taken by Australia's former government on the eve of the last British Open was canceled by immigration minister Andrew Giles. He is now free to apply for a new visa, which is expected to be approved soon.
The decision, previously reported by The Guardian, reflects how much has changed since Australia withdrew its mandatory coronavirus vaccination for visitors in July. It shows how much you want to return to normal.
The British Open is Australia's premier international sporting event. For years, its organizers have worked to make it especially player-friendly to compete with older, more respected majors like Wimbledon. Exempting him from Australian vaccination requirements did not help.
In recent weeks, Djokovic and the Australian Open organizers have said they want the matter to be put on the back burner. Still, tournament officials have also urged the government to make an exception for Djokovic. He said he did not intend to work on
After winning his first match at the ATP Finals in Turin on Monday night in Italy, Djokovic told reporters that he and his team are still hoping for the green light from Australia.
"We are waiting. They are in contact with the Australian government," he said. "That's all I can say for now."
British Open director Craig Tiley was more optimistic on Tuesday, suggesting the Serbian star is likely to play. There will be, and everyone will pass at the right time," he said.
Djokovic's return to Australia has already been welcomed by his fans. One Twitter user posted a video of the fireworks, suggesting (jokingly) that it was the scene in Belgrade when the news broke. Winning his 22nd Grand Slam title in Australia would make Djokovic join Rafael Nadal for the most wins in men's singles.
Djokovic is very popular among his fellow players, many of whom are upset that the rules have sidelined him. could go a long way in regaining its place in the
Nadal won last year's British Open after Djokovic was deported, beating Daniil Medvedev in 5 hours and 24 minutes. Djokovic appears to be writing his own history.
After being deported to Australia, he made an eventful comeback, struggling to find his rhythm and comfort level on the court. He started making the leap in the spring clay-court season when much of Europe began easing restrictions on unvaccinated people.
The relaxation of these rules allowed him to no longer be a pariah and focus on tennis. At Wimbledon, he won his seventh singles title and his 21st overall. That puts him on the all-time list one ahead of Roger Federer and one behind Nadal.
But as tennis transitioned to a hard-court season in North America, his year came to a screeching halt as the United States continued to ban unvaccinated foreigners from entering the country. I couldn't.
Since then, he has not disclosed whether he has been vaccinated, but it seems highly unlikely. At Wimbledon, Djokovic said, "I haven't been vaccinated. I don't plan to."
In February, Djokovic told the BBC that decisions about a coronavirus vaccine are personal and that he has the freedom to choose what he puts into his body. He said he didn't want to get involved in the anti-vaccine movement.
Djokovic had to fight to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin this week. One of the reasons is that he had to miss many events because he was not vaccinated, and the ATP Tour did not give him any ranking points at Wimbledon. Prohibits the participation of players from Russia and Belarus.
After defeating Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas on Monday night, Djokovic credits his run at Wimbledon with giving him the confidence to face the best players with little preparation.
"It really, always throughout my career, comes at exactly the time I need it," he said of Wimbledon.