By Ian Chadband
Novak Djokovic has declared his plans to enjoy “a great Australian summer” after being granted a visa to return to the country, which will enable him to shoot for more grand slam glory in Melbourne.
The Serbian tennis great revealed on Wednesday that he was “very happy” to receive the news that would allow him to go for a record-extending 10th Australian Open title.
Novak Djokovic has been granted a visa to enter the country.Credit:Getty Images
The 35-year-old had been barred from Australia until 2025 but revealed his delight that the decision has been reversed.
“I was very happy to receive the news yesterday,” said Djokovic, who had been at the centre of major international drama on the eve of this year’s event when he was deported after then immigration minister Alex Hawke used his personal powers as minister to cancel Djokovic’s visa under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act “on health and good order grounds, on the basis that it was in the public interest to do so”.
On Thursday morning, the Department of Home Affairs released a statement confirming Djokovic had been granted a temporary visa.
“On 14 January 2022, the then Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs made a decision under section 133C(3) of the Migration Act 1958 (the Migration Act) to cancel the visa of Mr Novak Djokovic on public interest grounds. A subsequent challenge to that decision was dismissed by the Full Federal Court which found that the decision was not affected by legal error,” the statement said.
“Following the cancellation of his visa, Mr Djokovic sought revocation of the cancellation decision in accordance with the Migration Act. After considering all relevant factors, the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, and Multicultural Affairs the Hon Andrew Giles MP decided to revoke the cancellation decision under section 133F(4) of the Migration Act. The power under section 133F(4) may only be exercised by the Minister personally.
“A decision to cancel a visa under section 133C(3) may be revoked if the person satisfies the Minister that the ground for cancelling the visa no longer exists. A decision to revoke a visa cancellation does not mean the original decision to cancel was affected by error.
“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.
“Mr Djokovic has subsequently been granted a temporary visa to enter Australia.”
Speaking in Turin after defeating Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals, the Serbian said: “It’s 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. Australian Open has been my most successful grand slams. I made some of the best memories there.
“Of course, I want to go back there, I want to play tennis, do what I do best, hopefully have a great Australian summer.
“I’m always thankful to go through experiences, no matter what the experiences are. I try to be optimistic and positive in life.
“I look forward to starting the new year in Australia, and we’ll see how the next year goes.”
The news came before Djokovic produced one of his performances of the year to outplay Rublev 6-4, 6-1 to qualify for the semi-finals of the season-ending event – and he reckoned it may have helped his game out on court.
“Did it affect my game today? I would like to believe it did. Why not? I don’t think it did affect me too much because I’m familiar with what I need to do in order to prepare myself for every match,” he said.
“Of course, knowing that I have clarity now, what I do in the off-season, starting the season in Australia, also of course it did relieve some of the pressure me and my team felt. Just giving that clarity makes it great for us.”
The return of Djokovic had looked on the cards ever since July when Australia scrapped its rule requiring visitors from overseas to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status.
And the Serb himself had commented earlier in the week that he had received positive signs about the overturning of the ban and a potential return.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley had said Djokovic would be welcome back if he could get a visa, but that Tennis Australia couldn’t lobby on his behalf.
After missing the Australian Open and US Open over his COVID-19 stance, the still-unvaccinated Djokovic will now be able to shoot for Rafael Nadal’s Melbourne crown while also attempting to equal the Spaniard’s men’s record of 22 grand slam crowns.
