“Djokovic's travel ban could be eased in ‘right circumstances'”: Aus PM leaves door open for his return
Monday, 17 January 2022 (13:33 IST)
Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has given ace tennis player Novak Djokovic a chance to return to the country before the three-year ban under "right circumstances".
The men's World No 1 tennis player was deported from Australia on Sunday after losing a battle to remain in the country.
An "extremely disappointed" Djokovic in a statement said that he respects the ruling, which crushed his dream of clinching a record 21st Grand Slam at the Australian Open which begins on January 17.
The exit of Djokovic from the country marked the end of a 10-day battle between him and the government.
Under Australian immigration law, Djokovic can not be given another visa for three years.
However, BBC quoted Morrison as saying during an interview with a local radio station that Djokovic could be allowed to enter sooner only under the "right circumstances".
"I'm not going to pre-condition any of that or say anything that would not enable the (Immigration) minister to make the various calls he has to make," he said.
"(The ban) does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity to return in the right circumstances, and that will be considered at the time," he added. (UNI)
