Djokovic Isn't Suing Tennis Australia, May Return For Australian Open 2023: Craig Tiley

Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic could hit the courts in the 2023 Australian Open while dismissing suggestions that Djokovic may file a lawsuit against the organization. In a TV interview Sunday, Tiley expressed confidence that Djokovic was not considering taking legal action against Tennis Australia after his visa was canceled over a week ago.

According to Nine.com.au, Tiley denied reports that the tennis legend was taking legal action against TA and suing for $6 milion over the “ill-treatment” he received during the entire visa-vaccine saga. Djokovic’s visa cancellation equates to a 3-year ban Down Under, however, this also covers certain circumstances by which this may be waived.

Immigration minister Alex Hawke said his power to cancel a visa may only be waived under compelling circumstances such as events directly concerning Australian national interest and other compassionate grounds. Hawke added that allowing Djokovic to compete could encourage “civil unrest” and brand him as an anti-vax supporter.

Tiley is hopeful that the nine-time Australian Open champ will be back in Melbourne in 2023. However, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrew was quick to give a snappy crack at this saying the welcome mat will only be unrolled if Djokovic has been vaccinated. Andrews strongly maintained his stand on barring entry to every unvaccinated person crossing the border into Victoria - with no exceptions to world-famous athletes.

“Obviously, I think 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," Tiley said.

Djokovic was deported from the country upon entry after his visa was canceled a second time over the player’s stance on being vaccinated.

Meanwhile, the French Open offers an opportunity for the world no. 1 to play despite its “no jab no play" rules. Italian media reports stated that France’s vaccination passports included exemptions for those who have tested positive in the past six months.

Djokovic claimed he contracted the virus on Dec. 16 -- thereby making him eligible to play in the French Open scheduled to start from May 22.

Marian Vajda, Djokovic’s coach broke his silence a week after the arduous visa debacle saying the tennis star has taken some time to calm down but still believes the Australian Government had treated him unfairly.