Novak Djokovic allowed to play Australian Open after visa ban overturned

Novak Djokovic will be allowed to contest the Australian Open tennis tournament next year after his visa ban was overturned by the federal government.

Djokovic was deported in January before he could compete in the grand slam after then-immigration minister Alex Hawke cancelled the tennis player’s visa “in the public interest”.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles will grant Novak Djokovic a visa to play in the Australian Open. Credit:Eamon Gallagher and AP

Sources close to the government but not authorised to speak publicly said Immigration Minister Andrew Giles will grant Djokovic a visa, overturning the automatic three-year ban that came with the earlier visa cancellation.

Earlier on Tuesday, Australian Open director Craig Tiley said he hoped Djokovic could return for next year’s tournament.

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