The 35-year-old had been barred from entering Australia until 2025, but he expressed joy that the decision had been reversed.
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Novak Djokovic has declared his intention to spend “a great Australian summer” after being granted a visa to return to the country and compete for more grand slam titles in Melbourne. The Serbian all-time great said on Wednesday that he was “very happy” to learn that he would be able to compete for a record-extending 10th Australian Open title. The 35-year-old had been barred from entering Australia until 2025, but he expressed joy that the decision had been reversed.
“I was very happy to receive the news yesterday,” said Djokovic. “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,” he added.
The news came just before Djokovic put on one of his best performances of the year, defeating Rublev 6-4 6-1 to advance to the season-ending event’s semi-finals – and he believes it may have helped his game 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.”
Djokovic’s return had been expected since July, when Australia repealed a rule requiring foreign visitors to declare their COVID vaccination status. And the Serb himself had stated earlier in the week that he had received positive indications about the ban being lifted and his potential return. Djokovic would be welcome back if he could obtain a visa, according to Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley, but Tennis Australia could not lobby on his behalf. After missing the Australian and US Opens due to his COVID-19 stance, Djokovic will now be able to compete for Rafael Nadal’s Melbourne title while also attempting to equal the Spaniard’s men’s record of 22 grand slams.
