Tennis Australia caught in the crossfire between Novak Djokovic’s principles and federal law as the Serb’s participation remains a doubt


Tennis Australia caught in the crossfire between Novak Djokovic’s principles and federal law as the Serb’s participation remains a doubt

Tennis Australia chief Craig TIley and Novak Djokovic

9-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic is once again doubtful for participation at the Grand Slam. With his visa getting revoked this year followed by a 3-year ban over entering the country without vaccine against Covid-19, Djokovic was deported a day prior to the 2022 Australian Open.

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However, with the global situation now improving, hopes are being raised once again by Djokovic fans that he will be allowed this year. While the vaccine mandates have been relaxed, the 3-year ban continues to keep the Serb out of the country and Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley recently gave further insights into the subject.

“What we’re saying at this point is that Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation. And then we’ll follow any instruction after that. I did spend some time with Novak at the Laver Cup. We spoke generally. He said that he’d obviously love to come back to Australia.

“But he knows it’s going to be an ultimate decision for the federal government. He’s accepted that position. It’s a private matter between them. We’d like to welcome Novak back – he’s a nine-time champion,” said Tiley as reported by The Sydney Morning Herald.

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Novak Djokovic needs to sort out his situation by December, the participation deadline

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic – IMAGO / Shutterstock/ Ella Ling

While Djokovic has remained adamant on his principles to not get vaccinated until at least he’s playing professionally, he’s ready to miss the tournaments if that’s the consequence. The Serb however still hopes that the governments make a practical decision given the drop in cases of Covid-19 with better immunity among the people.

While many people have voiced their opinions to relax vaccination mandates as the global situation improves day by day, Tiley did say that the decision needs to come well in advance by both involved parties.

“There’s an entry deadline in December for the Australian Open, so they’ll obviously have to meet that timeline,” added Tiley while also hinting that ‘ideally’ the situation will be resolved and Djokovic could be there in Melbourne next year but its again between the federal law and the player.

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