Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley insists whether Novak Djokovic is granted entry into the 2023 Australian Open is a matter for the former world No.1 and the federal government.
The uncertainty surrounding Djokovic’s participation in the first grand slam of next year was a hot topic at the launch of the 2023 Australian Open on Wednesday.
In an infamous saga that transcended sport, Djokovic was barred from competing in the 2022 Australian Open and forced out of the country when he failed in his courtroom bid to restore his visa.
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Djokovic said at September’s Laver Cup that he wanted to compete in next year’s Australian Open.
“I’m hoping I will get some positive news,” the Serbian superstar said.
When pressed on the situation at Wednesday’s Australian Open launch, Tiley said Djokovic and the federal government would “work out the situation”.
“Then we’ll follow any instruction after that,” Tiley added.
“I did spend some time with Novak at the Laver Cup.
“We spoke generally.
“He said that he’d obviously love to come back to Australia, but he knows it’s going to be an ultimate decision for the federal government.
“He’s accepted that position.
“It’s a private matter between them.
“We’d like to welcome Novak back.
“He’s a nine-time champion.”
Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against COVID-19, was hit with a three-year ban from entering Australia.
But the 35-year-old can apply for an exemption in a push to feature in the 2023 Australian Open, with immigration minister Andrew Giles responsible for deciding his fate.
“There’s an entry deadline in December for the Australian Open, so they’ll obviously have to meet that timeline,” Tiley said.
Australian Open organisers have set themselves the ambitious target of attracting 900,000 fans throughout the two-week tournament.
Tennis Australia’s focus on revenue is greater than ever after the governing body copped a $100 million hit for hosting the 2021 edition amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
A beach bar accompanied by an elevated second-storey DJ platform is among a range of initiatives Tennis Australia will introduce in pursuit of the lofty target.
“We want to return to our pre-pandemic plans of cementing the AO as the biggest annual sporting event in the world in January, while also making it as accessible to as many fans as possible,” Tiley said.
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