Novak Djokovic’s return to Australia will come a little later than expected after it was confirmed this week that he will not play in the season-opening United Cup. The Serbian star will be allowed back into the country in January after being granted a visa by the Australian government.
However he will not feature at the new United Cup, with Serbia missing out on qualifying for the mixed gender team event to take place from December 29 to January 8. On Tuesday, officials confirmed the final two countries to take part in the inaugural event will be Bulgaria and Kazakhstan.
According to reports, Djokovic didn’t nominate himself to play in the event, meaning Serbia won’t be a part of the $23 million tournament. Instead, Djokovic is believed to be eyeing off the Adelaide International as his starting point for the Australian summer ahead of a tilt at more grand slam glory at the year’s first major.
Djokovic revealed last week that he was “very happy” to receive the visa news that allows him to go for a record-extending 10th Australian Open title, before it was confirmed in writing to the world. The Serbian star had been facing a potential three-year ban from the country due to his deportation at the start of 2022.
