Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia last year and was handed a three-year ban after he arrived in the country to play the Australian Open while being unvaccinated against COVID-19.
The situation regarding the pandemic has changed drastically and in a better way. The regulations have been relaxed as far as vaccination norms are concerned. Minister for Immigration Andrew Giles revoked the January visa-cancellation decision made by his predecessor.
“Since the cancellation of Mr. Djokovic’s visa in January 2022, all COVID-19-related Australian border restrictions under the Biosecurity Act 2015 have been removed, including the requirement to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status to enter Australia,” confirmed Giles in a statement, reports IANS.
Djokovic was deprived of a chance to challenge for his fourth straight Australian Open title. However, he is all set to return in full flow in Melbourne in 2023 and fans are ecstatic to see him in action.
During a press conference in Turin, where he is playing at the ATP Finals, Djokovic reacted to the news and said the following:
“It was a relief obviously knowing what I and people closest to me in my life have been through this year with what happened in Australia and post Australia obviously. I could not receive better news for sure – during this tournament as well.
“Of course, knowing that I have clarity now, what I do in the off-season, starting the season in Australia, also of course did relieve some of the pressure me and my team felt. Just giving that clarity makes it great for us.”
The Serbian legend has been in blistering form as of late. He came into the ATP Finals eyeing his sixth title at the season-ending competition and with the kind of tennis he has played so far in the competition, he is one of the favorites to go the distance.
Djokovic began his campaign with a comprehensive win against Stefanos Tsitsipas. This was Djokovic’s 10th win against the youngster from Greece.
The 36-year-old followed it up with another resounding win against Andrey Rublev to punch his ticket to the semis. Djokovic won the match 6-4, 6-1. He will face Daniil Medvedev in his last group game.
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