Russian and Belarussian players will be able to compete as neutrals at the Australian Open, and Novak Djokovic will be able to compete if he obtains a visa.
Craig Tiley, tournament director, made the announcement on Wednesday.
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, tennis authorities barred Russian and Belarussian players from international team competitions but allowed them to compete in regular tour events.
The French Open and US Open Grand Slams allowed them to compete as neutrals, but Wimbledon outright prohibited them.
“At this point, Russian and Belarussian players will be eligible to compete in the Australian Open,” Tiley said to reporters.
“The only difference is that they will be unable to represent Russia —- the Russian flag.”
“They are not permitted to participate in any activity, such as the Russian anthem, and must play as independent players under a neutral name.”
Belarus has served as a staging area for Russia’s invasion, which Moscow refers to as a “special military operation.”
Djokovic, the nine-time Australian Open champion, would also be eligible, according to Tiley, if he is able to overturn a visa ban as part of his deportation in January.
The Serbian great was barred from entering the country because he had not been immunized against COVID-19.
He is barred from re-entering Australia until 2025, though the Australian government has the option to waive the ban.
Tiley stated that he had no contact with the government regarding Djokovic and that the Australian Open organizers could not lobby on his behalf.
“At this point… Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation, and then we’ll follow any subsequent instructions,” Tiley said.
“It’s not something we can lobby on.” It’s a matter that should be kept between the two of them, and depending on the outcome, we’d welcome him to the Australian Open.”
Djokovic, who also missed the US Open due to a lack of vaccinations, stated last month that he was awaiting “positive news” from Australian authorities.
However, Karen Andrews, an opposition lawmaker in Australia, said this week that she was opposed to the government lifting Djokovic’s ban.
She described it as a “slap in the face” to vaccinated Australians.