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Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 'welcome' to compete if he can obtain visa


 The Australian Open cannot press its country is government into allowing Novak Djokovic to play in January is opening Grand Slam event of 2023, says tournament director Craig Tiley, Ninetime winner Djokovic who is unvaccinated against Covid 19, is banned from re entering Australia until 2025 after he was deported this year .The Australian government can waive the ban at its discretion.




It's not a matter we can lobby on said Tiley .Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation and then we all follow any instruction after that.It's a matter that definitely stays between the two of them and then depending on the outcome of that we would welcome him to the Australian Open. Former world number one Djokovic a 21 time Grand Slam champion also missed this year is US Open because of his vaccination status following his victory at Wimbledon in the summer.


Australia is former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said this week she was opposed to the government lifting Djokovic is ban, saying it would be a slap in the face for Australians who have been vaccinated .Meanwhile Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to compete in Melbourne, although Russian players will not be allowed to represent their country.


They cannot participate in any activity such as the anthem of Russia and they have to play as independent players under a neutral name, said Tiley .Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine Russian and Belarusian players are banned from international team competitions .But despite Wimbledon is ban they were permitted to compete as neutral athletes at both this year is French Open and US Open.

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