Australian Open chief expects Djokovic to return in 2023

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley is upbeat that world number one Novak Djokovic will attempt to return to the tournament next year after having his visa revoked this time around.

Djokovic, who is not vaccinated against the coronavirus, had his visa cancelled twice after arriving in early January for the grand slam he has won a record nine times.

The Serb had a first cancellation overturned for technical reasons but Australia’s Federal Court then dismissed his second appeal after Immigration Minister Alex Hawke had cancelled the visa again.

Djokovic’s visa could be revoked for up to three years but it appears that he could return next year if he meets all criteria.

Tiley said Sunday he expects Djokovic will aim to play in Melbourne again in 2023.

“Obviously, he’s got to play out this year, but that will be his intention,” Tiley said. “At the end of the day, he’s the number one player in the world and he really loves the Australian Open.”

Tiley also came under fire over the handling of the affair in which Djokovic initially received a medical exemption to enter without vaccination.

He spoke of “a changing environment that none of us have experienced before” in the build-up with “a lot of contradiction and complexity with information.”