(Tennis news) Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will participate in next year’s Australian Open after his visa ban was overturned. The nine time Australian Open champion was deported earlier this year due to his COVID-19 vaccination status and was automatically banned for three years. However, the 35 year old learned on Tuesday that his visa will be granted for next year’s tournament and said he was "very happy". 

The 21 time Grand Slam champion said “I could not receive better news. It was a relief obviously knowing what I and people closest to me in my life have been through this year with what happened in Australia and post Australia obviously. [The] Australian Open has been my most successful Grand Slams. I made some of the best memories there. Of course, I want to go back there, I want to play tennis, do what I do best, hopefully have a great Australian summer."

Djokovic, who is unvaccinated for COVID-19, did not meet the requirements for entry in the 2021 edition of the Australian Open and was automatically not allowed to return to Australia until 2025. However, immigration minister Andrew Giles – whose government came to power in May has now overturned the ban. The news came as Djokovic defeated Andrey Rublev to reach the semifinals of the ATP Finals 6-4 6-1 in 69 minutes. 

In the on-court interview after the match, Djokovic said “I played very, very well. One of the best matches of the year without a doubt against an always tough opponent. It was an amazing performance." Stefanos Tsitsipas also defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-7 7-6 (7-1) and will take on Djokovic in the final group game on Friday. In the doubles category, Briton Neal Skupski and Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof were beaten 6-4 7-6 (7-3) by Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic while Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis of Australia beat Croatia's Ivan Dodig and American partner Austin Krajicek 3-6 6-4 10-6.

Also read: Felix Auger-Aliassime defeats Rafael Nadal in the ATP Finals