Will Novak Djokovic play in Australian Open 2023? Latest news on tennis star’s place in Melbourne Park draw

Nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic will be looking to make his return to Melbourne Park in 2023.

The Serbian was forced to withdraw from this year’s event after authorities revoked his visa due to his COVID-19 vaccination status.

He was also banned from the US Open in August, meaning that Wimbledon was his only success at a major in 2022.

The Sporting News takes a look at Djokovic’s status ahead of the first Grand Slam tournament of 2023.

MORE: What is the United Cup? The new Australian Open warm-up event

Will Novak Djokovic play in the Australian Open 2023?

It is now confirmed that Novak Djokovic will be able to play at the Australian Open next year.

The decision to grant the 21-time grand slam title winner a temporary visa was announced by Immigration Minister Andrew Giles in November.

Djokovic’s three-year ban from the country – which was in place until 2025 – has subsequently been overturned.

Ahead of the 2022 tournament, the Serbian attempted to enter the country whilst unvaccinated, which saw him held in a detention centre before being deported following a highly-publicised legal battle.

This time around, Australia has removed all COVID-19-related border restrictions, with visitors now no longer required to provide evidence of COVID-19 vaccination status.

Speaking to reporters after reaching the semi-finals of the ATP Finals, Djokovic was grateful he would be able to play for his record-extending 10th Australian Open title.

“It’s 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,” Djokovic said.

“I could not receive better news for sure – during this tournament as well. [The] Australian Open has been my most successful grand slam. 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.

“I’m always thankful to go through experiences, no matter what the experiences are. I try to be optimistic and positive in life.

“I look forward to starting the new year in Australia and we’ll see how the next year goes.”

MORE: Novak Djokovic net worth: Career earnings, prize money for reigning Wimbledon champion

Will Novak Djokovic play in any Australian summer of tennis warm-up tournaments?

Most players typically participate in at least one tune-up event before the Australian Open every year, and Novak Djokovic will be doing the same in 2023.

The Serbian will return to Australian shores next year and make his first competitive appearance in the country since 2021. 

His first event will be the Adelaide International, which begins on January 1. 

Djokovic has no other warm-up events lined up for the Australian summer of tennis, and will likely head straight to Melbourne Park once his tournament in Adelaide concludes.

Novak Djokovic Grand Slam titles

Having missed out on the US Open this year, Djokovic was unable to draw level with Rafael Nadal in the all-time list of men’s Grand Slam singles champions.

His triumph at Wimbledon took the Serbian to 21 major singles titles, one behind arch-rival Nadal and one ahead of Roger Federer, who is now retired.

Most Grand Slam singles titles (men)

*All titles were won in Amateur Era

**Six of Laver’s titles were won in the Amateur Era

When is the 2023 Australian Open?

Next year’s Australian Open will run from Monday, January 16 until Sunday, January 29.