Despite Negative Signs Emerging, Novak Djokovic Remains Hopeful of His Australian Open Chances by Notching up Legal Battle

The story is one of the most unusual in tennis history. The Serbian star, Novak Djokovic, was deported from Australia earlier this year, due to his non-vaccination status and was subsequently banned from entering the country for three years. In a recent interview, the tennis player shared some exciting news for his fans, as hopes of his return to Australia in 2023 hang on a thread.

Novak Djokovic could play at the 2023 Australian Open

The former world No.1 gave some positive indications regarding his status. When he was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open, the Serbian phenomenon also had to drop from the subsequent Masters 1000 tournaments at Indian Wells, Miami, Montreal and Cincinnati. The Serbian legend’s appearance at the upcoming Australian Open lingers in doubt, and there will be developments in this regard in the coming weeks.

Djokovic also missed the US Open due to his vaccination status. Recently, the star shared his hopes of receiving some positive news from Australian authorities. In an exclusive interview, the 21-time Grand Slam champion shared the possibility of him playing in Australia.

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In the interview, Djokovic informed his fans that his legal team was paving the way for his return to Melbourne.

Novak Djokovic just wants to do what he loves the most; playing tennis at major tournaments. During the interview, he was quoted, “When it comes to Australia, there are some positive signs, but unofficially. We are communicating through my lawyers in Australia. In fact, they are communicating with the authorities in charge of my case. I hope to have an answer in the next few weeks – whatever that answer might be, but of course I am hoping for a positive one…”

Talking about how much he is looking forward to playing in Australia, Djokovic said, “Australia has always been the place where I have played my best tennis, the results speak for themselves, so I am always extra motivated to go there. This time even more, so.”

Russian and Belarusian players could compete in the Australian Open

Wimbledon had banned Russian and Belarusian tennis players from attending the tournament in London to condemn the Russia-Ukraine conflict. However, the US Open allowed Russian and Belarusian players to compete.

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Tennis governing bodies expressed their concern about the ban imposed by Wimbledon. Both ATP and WTA took drastic actions by stripping ranking points from the prestigious grass-court Grand Slam event. It seems to have worked, as recently, Australian Open authorities announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes are allowed to play in the first major event of the 2023 season.