Djokovic is allowed to enter Australia

According to Australian newspaper The Age, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles will issue a visa to Novak Djokovic in the near future, after lifting the three-year entry ban of the Serbian tennis player.

Djokovic had his visa canceled and banned for three years in January, by then-Immigration Minister Alex Hawke. Australia now has a new government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who regularly plays tennis.

Australian Open CEO Craig Tiley on November 15 said he was optimistic about Djokovic's ability to play at the Grand Slam early next year. "I know Djokovic really wants to come back here to play. Melbourne always welcomes him. This is where he achieved the greatest success of his career," Tiley said.

Nine of Djokvoic's 21 Grand Slams are at the Australian Open. He holds the record of winning all nine finals, including three in a row from 2019 to 2021. When Djokovic was absent earlier this year, his rival Rafael Nadal was crowned. The Spaniard then won another Roland Garros to reach a new record of 22 Grand Slams.

Djokovic last month told Serbian media that he was receiving positive signs to return to Australia. The 35-year-old tennis player also hinted at celebrating the event by drinking bottles of wine that his family produces and sells.

Djokovic is absent from this year's Australian Open and US Open because he did not meet the conditions for Covid-19 vaccination. Djokovic did not accept the injection because he was afraid that the vaccine would adversely affect his health. He once said he would accept all the consequences of this decision, including his absence from important tournaments.

Djokovic is attending the ATP Finals in Turin, Italy. He aims to equal Roger Federer's record of six championships. In the opening match on November 14, the Serbian player defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas after only two sets.