Novak Djokovic is all set to have his three-year visa ban in Australia overturned and the sporting world has reacted to the huge news that dominated headlines in 2022.
The Serbian former world No.1 was given a three year ban from the country in January 2022 after attempting to enter under what was later determined to be an invalid exemption from being vaccinated against COVID-19
The three year ban was issued by former Immigration Minister Alex Hawke during the previous government, with Djokovic’s visa status presenting a quandary for the Anthony Albanese government.
Following the worldwide drama, the 21-time grand slam champion admitted he wouldn’t receive the vaccination in order to play tennis.
This saw him also miss the US Open and a number of tournaments in which countries held strict entry policies.
However, in huge news, it has been widely reported current immigration minister Andrew Giles will overturn Djokovic’s ban following the dropping of requirements of visitors entering Australia needed to be vaccinated.
While the news is yet to be confirmed, Djokovic -currently playing at the ATP Finals in Turin – would have met the development with a smile having announced last week that he was hoping for an answer in the coming days.
And the tennis world erupted at the news.
Many claimed the development immediately catapults Djokovic back into favourite considering he has won the Australian Open nine times. This begs the question on how the Melbourne audience will receive Djokovic when he returns to court.
While many were happy the nine-time champ was returning to Melbourne, others didn’t share the same sentiment and were also frustrated at how the government handled the situation.
Others were annoyed that Djokovic was able to have his ban overturned, while others may not have been afforded the same privilege if their visa was banned for three years.
