Novak Djokovic could play in Australian Open with government set to backflip on his ban

No vaxx? No worries.

Novak Djokovic's hopes of playing in the Australian Open are alive once more with the government set to perform a huge U-turn on his ban.

Despite still remaining unvaccinated and being barred from Australia for three years, reports from the Herald Sun suggest his ban will be rescinded and he'll therefore be allowed to apply for a visa.

Earlier this year, the nine-time Australian Open champion became embroiled in a saga which made sweeping headlines across the world.

After initially being granted a visa exemption to play at the Australian Open, Djokovic was suddenly detained on arrival at Melbourne airport and subsequently deported after spending time in a detention centre.

At the time, and after lengthy legal battles, it was understood the unvaccinated Serbian player was kicked out of the country on “health and good order grounds”.

The Times claim his visa was revoked over his ability to “excite anti-vaxx sentiment”.

Alamy

The story left many people divided, although the Australian government certainly made their strong stance on vaccinations known to the rest of the world.

Now, less than 12 months later, and the Aussie government looks poised to perform a drastic U-turn, reportedly deciding to overturn his three-year visa ban.

On top of that, with Anthony Albanese taking over as prime minister, unjabbed travellers are now permitted to enter the country too.

This news means the 21-time Grand Slam champion now has the chance to challenge Rafa Nadal again in the men’s overall title charts – currently sitting just one away from the Spaniard.

35-year-old Djokovic missed two Slams this season, not playing in either the Australian or the US Open.

He did play at the French Open, but lost to Nadal in the final.

As for Wimbledon, he ended up winning that but was unable to claim any points.

His absence from these major tennis tournaments has seen him slip to sixth in the world rankings.