Novak Djokovic confirmed on Wednesday that he has received a visa to participate in the 2023 Australian Open in January, AFP reports.

The Serbian tennis player was kicked out of Australia ahead of the Grand Slam in January after refusing to be vaccinated.

The former world number 1 was initially banned from entering the country until 2025.

Novak Djokovic is happy that he received a visa for the Australian Open

While in Turin, where he is competing in the 2022 Tournament of Champions, Nole confirmed that he will be able to play in the competition in Melbourne.

“I was very happy to get the news yesterday (minus Tuesday). It’s a relief” – Novak Djokovic.

The ABC reported on Tuesday that Australian Immigration Minister Andrew Giles had lifted that ban, allowing Djokovic to compete. A spokesman for Australia’s immigration department declined to comment on the report.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said this month that Djokovic would be expected in January if he could get a visa, adding that Tennis Australia had been unable to lobby on his behalf.

“Now … Novak and the federal government have to resolve the situation, and then we will implement the decision. This is not a question we can ask for. It’s a middle ground between the two sides, and then, depending on the result, he’ll be welcome at the Australian Open,” the tournament director explained recently.

In July, Australia scrapped a rule requiring foreign travelers to declare their COVID vaccination status, and in October Djokovic said he had received “positive signs” of progress in efforts to overturn his ban.