Novak Djokovic Could Be Back For 2023's Australian Open

If there’s one thing many people know about Novak Djokovic, it’s that he’s one of the best tennis players in the world. Still, to hold onto that title, he has to appear at several competitions and beat the best of the best. The problem came in 2022 when it was announced the tennis star wouldn’t be at this year’s Australian Open.

Now, it seems that things have changed, and Novak Djokovic could be back for 2023’s Australian Open. At least, that’s if things go his way and this year’s Wimbledon winner can reach a deal that sees him back on top of his game.

Novak Djokovic was banned from the 2022 Australian Open

The Australian Open is one of the biggest tennis competitions each year. It sees the best of the best come together to battle it out for the top spot, but one notable name was missing from 2022’s line-up: Novak Djokovic. Although the tennis player was all set to participate in the competition and even flew to the country ahead of the Open, Djokovic was deported before he got his chance to shine. That was all down to the global pandemic, and the star’s lack of certain vaccines meant he wasn’t allowed in the country. In fact, the ban was enough to see Djokovic barred from entering Australia again until 2025. 

The Australian Open director is open to seeing Novak Djokovic return

Even though the ban should see Novak Djokovic out of Australia for the next few years, it seems one person is keen to see the tennis star return to the Australian Open. That’s Craig Tiley, aka the Australian Open director. According to Insider, Craig is eager to see Djokovic back in 2023, admitting the star and the federal government “need to work out the situation” so the Open can then “follow any instruction after that.” Craig says that if everything goes to plan, “we would welcome him to the Australian Open.”

Novak Djokovic will need to work a deal with the Australian government

It seems the only way Novak Djokovic would be allowed back to 2023’s Australian Open is if he can convince the country to let him back in the country before his ban is up. The problem? It relies on everyone reaching an agreement. No one is sure what it will take for Djokovic to be allowed to return, but it could be an update on his medical status or arrangements that he’s only allowed to travel between the tournament and his hotel. 

The Home Affairs Minister might not be keen on the deal

Just because there’s a chance Novak Djokovic could be back for 2023’s Australian Open doesn’t mean it’s definitely going to happen. After all, Karen Andrews - the Australian Shadow Home Affairs Minister - has already made it clear that she’s not happy about making any exceptions for the tennis player. Karen told ABC Radio Melbourne it would be “a slap in the face” for Australians “who did the right thing.” She added Djokovic shouldn’t be given any special treatment because “he is a high-ranking tennis player with many millions of dollars.”

Novak Djokovic could be back for 2023’s Australian Open - but it’s not a guarantee. It looks as though the tennis star has a long way to go and a lot of things to agree with Australia before he’ll even be allowed back in the country, let alone be able to compete in the competition.