Australia opens the door to Djokovic following Michael Andrew case
Due to regulation changes, Australia will allow the American swimmer to enter the country even though, like Djokovic, he has not been vaccinated.
While Novak Djokovic is still waiting for the definitive resolution as to whether he will be able to play at the US Open in New York, the door to another Grand Slam has opened for him - one which just a few months ago had been closed tight for issues relating his vaccination status - Australian Open.
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Djokovic, who decided to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, flew to Australia in January only to be detained at Melbourne airport, refused entry and eventually deported from the country after losing the trial against the Australian state. But the situation has changed since then. Now, it looks as though he might be free to return to Australia - in spite of the three-year visa ban he was issued at the start of the year as a result of to his deportation.
Major mentality 🏆@DjokerNole continues to elevate his game in the biggest moments, winning 13 of his past 16 Grand Slam finals.#Wimbledon
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) July 11, 2022
The reason why Djokovic could have his visa ban overturned is down to the case involving American swimmer Michael Andrew. Like Novak, Andrew is not vaccinated against the coronavirus, but that did not prevent him from competing at the Tokyo Olympics. He has been able to enter Australia to take part the Duel in the Pool contest between Australia and the United States since the regulations that prevented Djokovic from entering the country have now changed. To enter Australia you no longer need a vaccination test or a negative result from a PCR test, although the use of masks is still required on international flights.
So it looks like the door will be open for Djokovic to be able to compete again at the Australian Open in 2023, since presumably the visa ban on entering the country will be annulled given the change in regulations.