Australian Open chief: Novak Djokovic will return next year

Novak Djokovic. Pic/AFP

Novak Djokovic intends to play the Australian Open in 2023, tournament chief Craig Tiley said on Sunday while blaming miscommunication for his deportation ahead of this year's event. The World No.1's visa was cancelled ahead of the season-opening Grand Slam over his Covid-19 vaccination status, an incident that tarred the lead-up.

When asked on Sunday whether the unvaccinated Serbian planned to return for the 2023 tournament despite the possibility that his visa could be revoked for up to three years, Tiley replied: "Yes. Obviously, he's got to play out this year, but that will be his intention. At the end of the day, he's the No.1 player in the world and he loves the Australian Open."

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