Former Australian Sports Minister who deported Novak Djokovic calls for ban on Russian players at the 2023 Australian Open
Richard Colbeck, the sports minister when Novak Djokovic was deported before the 2022 Australian Open, called for a ban on Russian players.
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Richard Colbeck and Daniil Medvedev
Former Australia Sports Minister Richard Colbeck has called for a ban on Russian players at the 2023 Australian Open. The senior senator says that Russia is still doing outrageous things, and as a result, their players should not be allowed to participate. The 64-year-old, however, welcomed Novak Djokovic back to the country after the drama at the 2022 edition.
Colbeck is critical of Tennis Australia’s decision to let Russian players participate. He even cited the example of Wimbledon to make his point. Colbeck said, ”Sport is one of those things that can send a message to a country. I’ve had that view for a long time. We can’t soften our stance on this stuff. The Russians are still doing outrageous things. I congratulate Wimbledon on the stance they took.”
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, Wimbledon banned Russian and Belarussian players from participating. The ban resulted from fears that Russian President Vladimir Putin could use scenes of successful players from his nation for propaganda. Colbeck suggested a similar ruling should be applied in Australia too.
The senator further took aim at the tennis administrators, saying that the rules had been clear on unvaccinated players before the 2022 Australian Open. He said that Tennis Australia’s decision to follow the Victorian government’s advice instead of the health minister’s led to the controversy surrounding Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic was detained and then deported from Australia owing to his unvaccinated status. He was forced to withdraw from the tournament he has won a record 9 times. Colbeck says that he has no problem with Djokovic and that circumstances are very different 12 months on. Djokovic is currently in Adelaide in preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year.
Related: Novak Djokovic’s unvaccinated status still a potential risk for his 2023 campaign
Novak Djokovic Down Under as he prepares for Australian Open
World Number 5 Novak Djokovic continued his preparations ahead of the Adelaide Open starting January 1st. The Serbian was warmly welcomed back by adoring fans, who turned up in numbers to watch him practice. Djokovic has always stated his love for the fans in Australia, and their adoration was clear to see.
The 21-time Grand Slam winner has made multiple changes to his team while Down Under. He replaced his physio Ulises Bardio and added former physio Miljan Amanovic to his staff. He has also revealed his new signature boot in association with Asics while there.
There is also the exciting possibility of facing off against Daniil Medvedev at the Adelaide Open. The two were drawn in the top half and could meet in the tournament’s semi-finals. These matches would be perfect preparation for the Serbian, who is looking to add to his legacy with a 10th Australian Open title.
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