Novak Djokovic is set to be granted a visa to compete at the Australian Open in January a year after being deported from the country over its Covid rules.
Australian media reported on Tuesday that immigration minister Andrew Giles was planning to overturn the three-year ban from crossing Australian borders by granting him a visa.
It comes 12 months after the storm surrounding Djokovic, who had arrived Down Under believing his recent diagnosis for Covid meant he was able to travel there.
But he was detained by Australian officials and lost a federal court case to play in the tournament before being deported.
Kyrgios’ plea to Australian fans and officials
Nick Kyrgios last month had called for Australian authorities and fans to welcome Novak Djokovic with “open arms” this summer, describing the controversial Serbian as one of the reasons he plays the game.
Djokovic prevailed against Kyrgios in this year’s Wimbledon final, but it remains to be seen if he will be again blocked from competing in the Australian Open over his anti-vaccination stance.
Kyrgios said the retirement of the big drawcard Roger Federer meant it was now even more important for Djokovic to participate.
“I hope he is here, for the sport,” Kyrgios said.
“We just saw one of the legends leave the sport, Roger, and that’s going to be some shoes that no one is ever going to be able to fill.
