Novak Djokovic makes Australian Open pledge after tennis chief hints at return

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Novak Djokovic has revealed that he is still waiting for news about his potential Australian Open return after tournament director Craig Tiley hinted that he expected to see the Serb back in Melbourne come January. The nine-time Australian Open champion pledged to return to the country if he was allowed despite a dramatic ordeal at the start of this year. Djokovic hit headlines at the start of the year when he had his Australian visa revoked twice when arriving in Melbourne for the Aussie Open, spending time in a government detention hotel before he was ultimately deported on the eve of the tournament. He is now waiting to learn whether he can go back to the country in January for the 2023 edition of the Australian Open, with those who lose their visa receiving an automatic three-year ban from returning. The world No 7 said he was still waiting for news during the recent Laver Cup and is yet to receive an update on whether his ban will be lifted but pledged to return to the tournament if he was allowed. “I'm still waiting for news that my ban will be lifted, I think I've been banned from travelling for three years due to circumstances earlier this year,” he said after his Astana Open victory on Wednesday, per Novosti. “Once that is removed, I need to apply for a visa. I want to go and I want to play there.” Djokovic’s words come after the Australian Open tournament director and chief of Tennis Australia said he expected to see the top players back in Melbourne for the first Grand Slam of 2023. JUST IN: Nick Kyrgios makes Japan Open commitment after reaching quarter-final

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