Tennis Australia lobbying for Djoko return

Tennis Australia officials are likely calling in political favours as the organisation quietly hopes to ensure that Novak Djokovic will be allowed into the country to compete in January’s Australian Open.

The anti-vaxx Serb who was deported six months ago after being detained in Melbourne for trying to enter without a COVID jab, remains firm in his opposition to the vaccine.

But with Australia loosening regulations, TA officials are apparently trying to make sure the legal niceties in the Djokovic case can fall into place.

In theory, as a deportee, the 35-year-old would be banned from re-entry for three years. But that might well be open to interpretation.

According to Immigration bosses: “Each case is assessed on its own merits,” a sign that Djokovic might manage his way into the country.

“Migration legislation provides that a person whose visa has been cancelled may be subject to a three-year exclusion period that prevents the grant of a further temporary visa,” a spokesperson said.

“The exclusion period will be considered as part of any new visa application and can be waived in certain circumstances.”

TA boss Craig Tiley is counting on his nine-time champion to boost box office at the first major of 2023.

“We’re doing our best,” he told Serb outlet Sport Klub. “It’s not my decision whether he will be able to play at the Australian Open… but Novak is always welcome.

“It’s up to others to make a decision, but there is still a lot of time before the Australian Open next year.”

Main photo:- Novak Djokovic was detained by Australian Border Force officials when he tried to enter vaxless in January 2022