The Australian Open stresses that the presence of Novak Djokovic will be "final decision" of the government

MADRID, 12 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Craig Tiley, director of the Australian Tennis Open, the first 'Grand Slam' of the season, stressed that it will be the "final decision" of his country's government to allow Serbian Novak Djokovic to participate in the 2023 edition

The nine-time champion in Melbourne could not compete this year in the 'big' ocean because he was not vaccinated against the coronavirus. The one from Belgrade managed to land on Australian soil, but after being arrested, he was finally deported and could not defend his title.

"What we are saying at the moment is that Novak and the federal government need to resolve the situation, and from there we will follow any instructions. I spent some time with Novak at the Laver Cup and he told me that obviously he would love to go back to Australia, but he knows that It will be a final decision of the federal government", said Tiley this Wednesday during the presentation of the novelties for the 'Grand Slam', in statements collected by the Australian press.

The director stressed that the presence or not of the Serb "is a private matter" between him and the authorities. "We would like to welcome Novak, he is a nine-time champion here. There is a registration deadline in December, so he will have to meet that deadline," he recalled.

Tiley also assured that Russian and Belarusian players should have no problem taking part, despite being controversially excluded from Wimbledon. "Like any other player, they will have to go through a visa application process," he warned.

"The only difference would be that they can't represent Russia, they can't represent the Russian flag and they have to play as neutral independent players, but they will be welcome to the Australian Open in January," he added.