Tennis Australia Won’t Lobby Government Over Djokovic’s Australian Open Bid

Tennis Australia has stated that it will not advocate on behalf of nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic to enter the nation for the Australian Open in January.

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The Australian government ultimately judged that the former world No. 1 from Serbia may have disturbed public order and jeopardised the country’s pandemic response, and he was deported from Australia on the day of this year’s competition.

A three-year visa suspension applies to Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19 and did not attend this year’s US Open. However, he is able to request an exemption, and Andrew Giles, the new immigration minister, will evaluate the request.

Craig Tiley, the director of the competition, emphasised that it was a problem between Djokovic’s team and the federal Labour administration.

“At this point, we’re saying that Novak and the federal government need to resolve the issue. After that, we’ll obey any instructions,” Tiley said at the Australian Open launch on Wednesday.

“I spoke to Novak a little bit at the Laver Cup.

“We talked in general. He stated that while he would undoubtedly adore returning to Australia, he is aware that the federal government will have the final say in the matter.

“He agreed to take the job. They have a confidential subject to discuss. We’d want to extend a warm welcome to Novak, a nine-time champion.

The opening stages of the 2022 competition in January were overshadowed by Djokovic’s standing and his high-profile court battle to try and remain in Australia.

“Ideally,” said Tiley. The issue of Djokovic’s eligibility would be settled as quickly as possible, as the player application deadline is approaching.

They will undoubtedly need to adhere to that schedule because the Australian Open has an entry deadline in December, according to Tiley.

For the slam in January of next year, Australian Open authorities anticipate a dramatic increase in the number of applications from individuals – players and their support staff like coaches.

Players from Russia and Belarus are currently qualified to compete in Australia. This year, Wimbledon was controversially shut out of the tournament, and as a result, Wimbledon lost ranking points.

They will have to go through a [visa] application process, just like any other player, according to Tiley.

“The only difference would be that they would have to perform independently under a neutral [country] name rather than representing Russia, the Russian flag, or engaging in any activity such as [playing] the Russian hymn.

However, they are invited to the Australian Open in January.

According to Tiley, neither players nor the ATP or WTA tours have yet reacted negatively to these actions.