2023 is set to begin in style with the Australian Open commencing on January 16. The mega event at Melbourne Park, Melbourne will see some big players rub shoulders against each other in what will be the first Grand Slam of the year. Ahead of the marquee tournament Down Under, the organisers on Thursday (December 29) confirmed that there is a hike in prize money.

The season's first Grand Slam&nbsp;will see a prize pool of USD 76.5 million, a 3.4 per cent jump from last edition. Not only this, the players will also be able to make the most of the&nbsp;new services, experiences, and facilities in Melbourne when the tournament kicks off&nbsp;on January 16.&nbsp;

A lot to play for Rafa, Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and more

One of the biggest aspects is the increase in&nbsp;the prize money for players in the early rounds&nbsp;to help in their careers. The winner of the men's and women's singles will earn a whopping&nbsp;USD 2,975,000 whereas the runner-up will receive USD 1,625,000. For making it to&nbsp;the opening round, a player will get USD 106,250, meanwhile, a&nbsp;player&nbsp;entering&nbsp;the final round of qualifying will be able to take home USD 55,150.

The men's and women's doubles winners will get&nbsp;USD 695,000 while the mixed doubles champions will be able to return with&nbsp;USD 157,750.

Talking&nbsp;about the increase in the prize pool, Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley, said ahead of the tournament, "At the Australian Open we’ve upped prize money for every round from qualifying, through to the finals, with the major increases in the early rounds, where these substantial rewards help players invest in their own careers and in many cases, set themselves up for success throughout the year."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-world-number-one-novak-djokovic-cant-forget-being-deported-but-ready-to-move-on-in-australia-547646">Former world number one Novak Djokovic can't forget being deported but ready to move on in Australia</a>

New features such as&nbsp;Player Recharge Zone -- where performance focussed activities and a nutrition bar will be available -- are also being introduced in the forthcoming Aus Open. The showpiece event will also comprise&nbsp;six themed restaurants and cafes, including two new cafes for the players. In addition, match analysis data will&nbsp;be available for them.

HOW MUCH WILL PLAYERS EARN AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN?

-- Australian Open total prize pool of $76.5 million, up 3.4 per cent on 2022 
-- Singles, doubles and qualifying hiked by 3.2 per cent 
-- Prize money has gone up in every round 
-- First-round qualifiers – $26,000 (up 3 per cent jump) 
-- First-round doubles teams – $30,975 (up 3.1 per cent) 
-- First-round main draw singles players – $106,250 (up 3.2 per cent) 
-- Players making it to the second round – $158,850 (up 3.1 percent) 
-- Semifinalists to take home&nbsp;$925,000, (up 3.4 percent) 
-- Singles champions to win&nbsp;$2.975 million

2023 is set to begin in style with the Australian Open commencing on January 16. The mega event at Melbourne Park, Melbourne will see some big players rub shoulders against each other in what will be the first Grand Slam of the year.

2023 is set to begin in style with the Australian Open commencing on January 16. The mega event at Melbourne Park, Melbourne will see some big players rub shoulders against each other in what will be the first Grand Slam of the year. Ahead of the marquee tournament Down Under, the organisers on Thursday (December 29) confirmed that there is a hike in prize money. The season's first Grand Slam will see a prize pool of USD 76.5 million, a 3.4 per cent jump from last edition. Not only this, the players will also be able to make the most of the new services, experiences, and facilities in Melbourne when the tournament kicks off on January 16. A lot to play for Rafa, Djokovic, Iga Swiatek, and more One of the biggest aspects is the increase in the prize money for players in the early rounds to help in their careers. The winner of the men's and women's singles will earn a whopping USD 2,975,000 whereas the runner-up will receive USD 1,625,000. For making it to the opening round, a player will get USD 106,250, meanwhile, a player entering the final round of qualifying will be able to take home USD 55,150. The men's and women's doubles winners will get USD 695,000 while the mixed doubles champions will be able to return with USD 157,750. Talking about the increase in the prize pool, Australian Open tournament director, Craig Tiley, said ahead of the tournament, "At the Australian Open we’ve upped prize money for every round from qualifying, through to the finals, with the major increases in the early rounds, where these substantial rewards help players invest in their own careers and in many cases, set themselves up for success throughout the year." Also read: Former world number one Novak Djokovic can't forget being deported but ready to move on in Australia New features such as Player Recharge Zone -- where performance focussed activities and a nutrition bar will be available -- are also being introduced in the forthcoming Aus Open. The showpiece event will also comprise six themed restaurants and cafes, including two new cafes for the players. In addition, match analysis data will be available for them. HOW MUCH WILL PLAYERS EARN AT THE AUSTRALIAN OPEN? -- Australian Open total prize pool of $76.5 million, up 3.4 per cent on 2022 -- Singles, doubles and qualifying hiked by 3.2 per cent -- Prize money has gone up in every round -- First-round qualifiers – $26,000 (up 3 per cent jump) -- First-round doubles teams – $30,975 (up 3.1 per cent) -- First-round main draw singles players – $106,250 (up 3.2 per cent) -- Players making it to the second round – $158,850 (up 3.1 percent) -- Semifinalists to take home $925,000, (up 3.4 percent) -- Singles champions to win $2.975 million

Australian Open: 3.4 per cent increase from 2022! Organisers announce record prize pool for 2023 season-opener

Novak Djokovic will never forget how it felt to be deported from Australia earlier this year but the Serb said his willingness to return for next month's Grand Slam at Melbourne Park shows the depth of feeling he has for the country. Djokovic was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open in January for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and received a three-year travel ban from the country.

However, the former world number one's visa ban was waived in November, opening up a path for Djokovic to target a 10th Australian Open crown and giving him a chance to tie Rafa Nadal's mark of 22 Grand Slam titles. "You can't forget those events, it's one of those things that stick with you," said Djokovic in his first news conference since returning to Australia. "It stays with you for the rest of your life. It's something I've never experienced before and hopefully never again, but it is a valuable life experience for me. But I have to move on and coming back to Australia speaks about how I feel about this country and how I feel about playing here."

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Djokovic will warm up for the Australian Open by playing in the Adelaide International starting on Jan. 1 and is hoping for a warm reception from local fans. "It's a great place and the people in Adelaide, and generally in Australia, love&nbsp;tennis, love sports and it's a sporting nation so hopefully we're going to have a lot of people watching and we can have a good time," Djokovic said. "I'm hoping everything is going to be positive. Obviously, it's not something that I can predict. I'll do my best to play some good&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;and bring good emotions and good feelings to the crowd."

Djokovic said his overall experience in Australia had not been soured by what happened in January. "What happened 12 months ago was not easy to digest for some time but at the same time I had to move on. Those circumstances will not replace what I have lived in Melbourne and in Australia throughout my entire career," Djokovic said. "So I come with positive emotions and I really look forward to playing there. It's been my favourite Grand Slam, the results prove that."

&nbsp;

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Novak Djokovic will never forget how it felt to be deported from Australia earlier this year but the Serb said his willingness to return for next month's Grand Slam at Melbourne Park shows the depth of feeling he has for the country.

Novak Djokovic will never forget how it felt to be deported from Australia earlier this year but the Serb said his willingness to return for next month's Grand Slam at Melbourne Park shows the depth of feeling he has for the country. Djokovic was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open in January for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and received a three-year travel ban from the country. However, the former world number one's visa ban was waived in November, opening up a path for Djokovic to target a 10th Australian Open crown and giving him a chance to tie Rafa Nadal's mark of 22 Grand Slam titles. "You can't forget those events, it's one of those things that stick with you," said Djokovic in his first news conference since returning to Australia. "It stays with you for the rest of your life. It's something I've never experienced before and hopefully never again, but it is a valuable life experience for me. But I have to move on and coming back to Australia speaks about how I feel about this country and how I feel about playing here." Also read: Here's all you need to know about the new ATP-WTA joint event - United Cup 2023 Djokovic will warm up for the Australian Open by playing in the Adelaide International starting on Jan. 1 and is hoping for a warm reception from local fans. "It's a great place and the people in Adelaide, and generally in Australia, love tennis, love sports and it's a sporting nation so hopefully we're going to have a lot of people watching and we can have a good time," Djokovic said. "I'm hoping everything is going to be positive. Obviously, it's not something that I can predict. I'll do my best to play some good tennis and bring good emotions and good feelings to the crowd." Djokovic said his overall experience in Australia had not been soured by what happened in January. "What happened 12 months ago was not easy to digest for some time but at the same time I had to move on. Those circumstances will not replace what I have lived in Melbourne and in Australia throughout my entire career," Djokovic said. "So I come with positive emotions and I really look forward to playing there. It's been my favourite Grand Slam, the results prove that." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Former world number one Novak Djokovic can't forget being deported from Australia but is ready to move on

Rafael Nadal is gearing up for the 2023 season opener in the form of the Australian Open. The first Grand Slam of the upcoming calendar year will get underway on January 16 with all eyes on Novak Djokovic as the Serbian will make his comeback in Melbourne after missing out on the 2022 edition, due to his Covid-19 vaccination row. Nadal won the 2022 edition in style, beating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling five-set finale at Melbourne Park, Melbourne. Thus, he will be desperate to win back-to-back titles at the Aus Open and stretch his overall grand slam count to 23.

Ahead of the showpiece event Down Under, the 36-year-old Nadal responded to a question if this will be his last tilt at the season-opening Grand Slam. Brushing aside all such suggestions, Nadal told reporters, "The highest motivation to try to start well. It’s always important to start well for me, for the confidence,” he said. “The last few months haven’t been easy for me. Main thing for me now is recover the positive feelings on court, being competitive. I hope to. I am ready to make that happen, but let’s see.”

“As a professional, you never know, hopefully not. I mean, when you are at the age of 36, you never know when it’s going to be the last one. It’s obvious, but I don’t like to talk about that because I am not in that mood now," the former world number one opined.

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Nadal further revealed, "I’m just focused on trying to play at the highest level possible and give myself possibilities to keep being competitive, to fight for anything. That’s my goal now. “I’m not thinking about it being my last time here. I am happy doing what I am doing. I’m looking forward to keep doing this."

Nadal will be challenged by Djokovic as the Serbian is set to return for the upcoming edition in Australia. Last year, the former world number one missed out on making an appearance and will be hungry to win his tenth title at Melbourne Park, Melbourne. He will surely be one of the biggest roadblocks for Nadal who will aim to win the championship for the second successive time.&nbsp;

Rafael Nadal is gearing up for the 2023 season opener in the form of the Australian Open. The first Grand Slam of the upcoming calendar year will get underway on January 16 with all eyes on Novak Djokovic as the Serbian will make his comeback in Melbourne after missing out on the 2022 edition, due to his Covid-19 vaccination row.

Rafael Nadal is gearing up for the 2023 season opener in the form of the Australian Open. The first Grand Slam of the upcoming calendar year will get underway on January 16 with all eyes on Novak Djokovic as the Serbian will make his comeback in Melbourne after missing out on the 2022 edition, due to his Covid-19 vaccination row. Nadal won the 2022 edition in style, beating Russia's Daniil Medvedev in a thrilling five-set finale at Melbourne Park, Melbourne. Thus, he will be desperate to win back-to-back titles at the Aus Open and stretch his overall grand slam count to 23. Ahead of the showpiece event Down Under, the 36-year-old Nadal responded to a question if this will be his last tilt at the season-opening Grand Slam. Brushing aside all such suggestions, Nadal told reporters, "The highest motivation to try to start well. It’s always important to start well for me, for the confidence,” he said. “The last few months haven’t been easy for me. Main thing for me now is recover the positive feelings on court, being competitive. I hope to. I am ready to make that happen, but let’s see.” “As a professional, you never know, hopefully not. I mean, when you are at the age of 36, you never know when it’s going to be the last one. It’s obvious, but I don’t like to talk about that because I am not in that mood now," the former world number one opined. Also read: Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic back in Australia, 'highly motivated' Nadal ready for Serbian challenge Nadal further revealed, "I’m just focused on trying to play at the highest level possible and give myself possibilities to keep being competitive, to fight for anything. That’s my goal now. “I’m not thinking about it being my last time here. I am happy doing what I am doing. I’m looking forward to keep doing this." Nadal will be challenged by Djokovic as the Serbian is set to return for the upcoming edition in Australia. Last year, the former world number one missed out on making an appearance and will be hungry to win his tenth title at Melbourne Park, Melbourne. He will surely be one of the biggest roadblocks for Nadal who will aim to win the championship for the second successive time.

Will 2023 Australian Open be Rafael Nadal's last at Melbourne Park? Spaniard reveals

Seven-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will play her 22nd Australian Open after being awarded a wildcard to the 2023 event next month. The 42-year-old American, twice a finalist at Melbourne Park, is ranked outside the top 1,000 and has not played a competitive match since being dumped out of the U.S. Open in the first round by unseeded Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck. "I’ve been competing in the country for over 20 years now and the Australian community has always supported me wholeheartedly," Williams said in a statement on Monday. "It will be an honour to play for the fans again and I’m looking forward to making more memories at the tournament this year."

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Williams has lost her last six matches on the WTA Tour since reaching the second round at Wimbledon. Her 23-times Grand Slam title-winning sister Serena Williams announced she would "evolve away" from&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;following the last U.S. Open, where she bowed out in the third round.

Seven-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will play her 22nd Australian Open after being awarded a wildcard to the 2023 event next month. The 42-year-old American, twice a finalist at Melbourne Park, is ranked outside the top 1,000 and has not played a competitive match since being dumped out of the U.

Seven-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will play her 22nd Australian Open after being awarded a wildcard to the 2023 event next month. The 42-year-old American, twice a finalist at Melbourne Park, is ranked outside the top 1,000 and has not played a competitive match since being dumped out of the U.S. Open in the first round by unseeded Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck. "I’ve been competing in the country for over 20 years now and the Australian community has always supported me wholeheartedly," Williams said in a statement on Monday. "It will be an honour to play for the fans again and I’m looking forward to making more memories at the tournament this year." Also read: 'You have....' - Roger Federer lauds Lionel Messi with a heartfelt post after Argentina win FIFA World Cup Williams has lost her last six matches on the WTA Tour since reaching the second round at Wimbledon. Her 23-times Grand Slam title-winning sister Serena Williams announced she would "evolve away" from tennis following the last U.S. Open, where she bowed out in the third round.

No 'evolving away' for Venus Williams as seven-time Grand Slam winner gets Australian Open wildcard

World number one Carlos Alcaraz said he is lucky to have Novak Djokovic as a rival on the ATP Tour as it gives him the chance to test himself against one of the sport's greatest players. Djokovic was deported from Australia in the lead-up to the season's first Grand Slam in January for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and missed several tournaments including the U.S. Open, where Spaniard Alcaraz claimed his maiden major.

With Djokovic granted a visa to travel Down Under next year -- where he will target a 10th Australian Open title -- Alcaraz said he was looking forward to a potential meeting with the 21-times Grand Slam champion.

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"Tennis is better having the best players in the world, and for the fans as well it's good to see a tournament with the best players," Alcaraz told reporters at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi. "I want to see Novak play in every tournament. I always say if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best player in the world. I'm a lucky guy to have him on the tour."

Alcaraz enjoyed a superb 2022 which he finished as the year-end number one and said he was nearing full fitness ahead of the new season, having missed the ATP Finals and Davis Cup due to an abdominal injury sustained at the Paris Masters.

"I feel good finally. I had a month to recover... and right now I feel almost 100%. I have been training normally this past week and I'm feeling great," Alcaraz said. "Of course having a target on my back from everyone is going to be a little bit different for me this year and I have to be prepared for that.

"I'm going to try to finish 2023 in the same position as now. It's going to be a long year but I'm going to enjoy it."

World number one Carlos Alcaraz said he is lucky to have Novak Djokovic as a rival on the ATP Tour as it gives him the chance to test himself against one of the sport's greatest players.

World number one Carlos Alcaraz said he is lucky to have Novak Djokovic as a rival on the ATP Tour as it gives him the chance to test himself against one of the sport's greatest players. Djokovic was deported from Australia in the lead-up to the season's first Grand Slam in January for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and missed several tournaments including the U.S. Open, where Spaniard Alcaraz claimed his maiden major. With Djokovic granted a visa to travel Down Under next year -- where he will target a 10th Australian Open title -- Alcaraz said he was looking forward to a potential meeting with the 21-times Grand Slam champion. ALSO READ: Novak Djokovic will be allowed to participate in the 2023 Australian Open after ban overturned - Reports "Tennis is better having the best players in the world, and for the fans as well it's good to see a tournament with the best players," Alcaraz told reporters at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi. "I want to see Novak play in every tournament. I always say if you want to be the best, you have to beat the best player in the world. I'm a lucky guy to have him on the tour." Alcaraz enjoyed a superb 2022 which he finished as the year-end number one and said he was nearing full fitness ahead of the new season, having missed the ATP Finals and Davis Cup due to an abdominal injury sustained at the Paris Masters. "I feel good finally. I had a month to recover... and right now I feel almost 100%. I have been training normally this past week and I'm feeling great," Alcaraz said. "Of course having a target on my back from everyone is going to be a little bit different for me this year and I have to be prepared for that. "I'm going to try to finish 2023 in the same position as now. It's going to be a long year but I'm going to enjoy it."

'I am lucky to have Novak Djokovic as a rival on the ATP Tour', says world number one Carlos Alcaraz

A terrific run of form in the latter half of 2022 put Nick Kyrgios among the Grand Slam contenders and while the Australian knows much is expected of him heading into Melbourne Park next month, he says he has learned to embrace the pressure. After years of underachieving, the talented but temperamental Kyrgios won the Citi Open in Washington and reached his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. The 27-year-old, who won the Australian Open men's doubles title in January with countryman Thanasi Kokkinakis, also reached the U.S. Open quarter-finals, going down in five sets to Karen Khachanov.

His best result in the Australian Open singles tournament was a quarter-final berth in 2015 and it is safe to say his compatriots expect him to go much deeper at the season-opening Grand Slam this time around. "... I completely understand going on the match court with all this expectation that 'Nick Kyrgios (has a) legitimate chance to win a Grand Slam now'," Kyrgios told Eurosport in an interview published on Thursday.

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"There's a lot of pressure there, especially, having the Australian Open and everyone in Australia expecting big things from me. It's a lot to handle sometimes. Being in the spotlight is not easy. I feel like I've embraced that and I've taken that challenge on. It's not easy, I've really worked hard to try and channel it, internalise it and use it as fuel," added Kyrgios, who is competing at the Diriyah&nbsp;Tennis&nbsp;Cup in Saudi Arabia.

The 2023 Australian Open will take place at Melbourne Park from Jan. 16-29.

A terrific run of form in the latter half of 2022 put Nick Kyrgios among the Grand Slam contenders and while the Australian knows much is expected of him heading into Melbourne Park next month, he says he has learned to embrace the pressure.

A terrific run of form in the latter half of 2022 put Nick Kyrgios among the Grand Slam contenders and while the Australian knows much is expected of him heading into Melbourne Park next month, he says he has learned to embrace the pressure. After years of underachieving, the talented but temperamental Kyrgios won the Citi Open in Washington and reached his first Grand Slam singles final at Wimbledon, where he lost to Novak Djokovic. The 27-year-old, who won the Australian Open men's doubles title in January with countryman Thanasi Kokkinakis, also reached the U.S. Open quarter-finals, going down in five sets to Karen Khachanov. His best result in the Australian Open singles tournament was a quarter-final berth in 2015 and it is safe to say his compatriots expect him to go much deeper at the season-opening Grand Slam this time around. "... I completely understand going on the match court with all this expectation that 'Nick Kyrgios (has a) legitimate chance to win a Grand Slam now'," Kyrgios told Eurosport in an interview published on Thursday. Also read: ATP fines Britain's LTA $1 million for banning Russian, Belarusian players "There's a lot of pressure there, especially, having the Australian Open and everyone in Australia expecting big things from me. It's a lot to handle sometimes. Being in the spotlight is not easy. I feel like I've embraced that and I've taken that challenge on. It's not easy, I've really worked hard to try and channel it, internalise it and use it as fuel," added Kyrgios, who is competing at the Diriyah Tennis Cup in Saudi Arabia. The 2023 Australian Open will take place at Melbourne Park from Jan. 16-29.

World number 22 Nick Kyrgios embracing the pressure ahead of 2023 Australian Open

Novak Djokovic had a torrid time at the start of 2022. Landing in Australia to defend his Australian Open title, the Serbian was in for a shock as he was kept in a detention centre, due to his unvaccinated status, and deported back to his home country prior to the start of the competition. This led to him being handed a three-year visa ban. However, things have turned in his favour recently with Djokovic's visa ban being overturned and he will now be eligible to take part in the 2023 Australian Open.&nbsp;

Djokovic's arch-rival Rafael Nadal has now opened up on the Serbian's visa being overturned.&nbsp;Speaking to the media after&nbsp;beating Casper Ruud in ATP Finals 2022, the Spaniard Nadal said,&nbsp;“I always said the same. Tennis is better when the best players are on the court. At the end, we don't have to create many stories. Even if was a big mess what happened last year in Australia, was not good for our sport. That was past. Roger is not playing anymore. I missed a lot of Grand Slams for injuries. Last year Novak was not able to play there. That's past."

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“What's next is Novak will be able to play again. That's the best news possible, especially knowing that now the virus is more under control - seems - around the world. So why not? Happy for him. Happy for the tournament. Happy for the fans. That's it," he added.

Currently, both Nadal and Djokovic have been in action in the ongoing ATP Tour Finals. While the Spaniard has been eliminated with defeats in his opening two group stage matches, Djokovic has proceeded into the semi-finals and will face Taylor Fritz on Saturday (November 19). At present, he has locked horns with fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev in his last round-robin game with the Russian already out of the competition.&nbsp;

Novak Djokovic had a torrid time at the start of 2022. Landing in Australia to defend his Australian Open title, the Serbian was in for a shock as he was kept in a detention centre, due to his unvaccinated status, and deported back to his home country prior to the start of the competition.

Novak Djokovic had a torrid time at the start of 2022. Landing in Australia to defend his Australian Open title, the Serbian was in for a shock as he was kept in a detention centre, due to his unvaccinated status, and deported back to his home country prior to the start of the competition. This led to him being handed a three-year visa ban. However, things have turned in his favour recently with Djokovic's visa ban being overturned and he will now be eligible to take part in the 2023 Australian Open. Djokovic's arch-rival Rafael Nadal has now opened up on the Serbian's visa being overturned. Speaking to the media after beating Casper Ruud in ATP Finals 2022, the Spaniard Nadal said, “I always said the same. Tennis is better when the best players are on the court. At the end, we don't have to create many stories. Even if was a big mess what happened last year in Australia, was not good for our sport. That was past. Roger is not playing anymore. I missed a lot of Grand Slams for injuries. Last year Novak was not able to play there. That's past." Also Read: Novak Djokovic vs Daniil Medvedev, Live streaming: When and where to watch ATP Tour Finals match? “What's next is Novak will be able to play again. That's the best news possible, especially knowing that now the virus is more under control - seems - around the world. So why not? Happy for him. Happy for the tournament. Happy for the fans. That's it," he added. Currently, both Nadal and Djokovic have been in action in the ongoing ATP Tour Finals. While the Spaniard has been eliminated with defeats in his opening two group stage matches, Djokovic has proceeded into the semi-finals and will face Taylor Fritz on Saturday (November 19). At present, he has locked horns with fifth-seeded Daniil Medvedev in his last round-robin game with the Russian already out of the competition.

Rafael Nadal reacts after Novak Djokovic granted visa to take part in Australian Open 2023

Serbia's Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will take part in next year's Australian Open after being granted a visa. "I was very happy to receive the news yesterday," the 35-year-old Serb, who was sent home from Australia on the eve of last year's event after a row about his COVID-19 vaccination status, said after his victory over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday.

Djokovic crushes Rublev&nbsp;to reach last four of ATP Finals

Djokovic booked his place in the last four of the ATP Finals with a crushing 6-4 6-1 defeat of Russia's&nbsp;Rublev at the Turin showpiece on Wednesday. After the first nine games went with serve, Djokovic switched on the afterburners to outclass Rublev.

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Rublev, who like Djokovic had won his opening match at the year-ender, capitulated when serving to stay in the opener, losing the set as Djokovic thumped a backhand return winner. The second set was a non-event as five-time champion Djokovic roared to victory in little more than an hour.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will take part in next year's Australian Open after being granted a visa. "I was very happy to receive the news yesterday," the 35-year-old Serb, who was sent home from Australia on the eve of last year's event after a row about his COVID-19 vaccination status, said after his victory over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will take part in next year's Australian Open after being granted a visa. "I was very happy to receive the news yesterday," the 35-year-old Serb, who was sent home from Australia on the eve of last year's event after a row about his COVID-19 vaccination status, said after his victory over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday. Djokovic crushes Rublev to reach last four of ATP Finals Djokovic booked his place in the last four of the ATP Finals with a crushing 6-4 6-1 defeat of Russia's Rublev at the Turin showpiece on Wednesday. After the first nine games went with serve, Djokovic switched on the afterburners to outclass Rublev. Also read: Novak Djokovic will be allowed to participate in the 2023 Australian Open after ban overturned - Reports Rublev, who like Djokovic had won his opening match at the year-ender, capitulated when serving to stay in the opener, losing the set as Djokovic thumped a backhand return winner. The second set was a non-event as five-time champion Djokovic roared to victory in little more than an hour.

Serbian star Novak Djokovic confirms he has visa to take part in 2023 Australian Open

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic is all set to take part in the Australian Open next year as he is likely to be granted a visa. The Australian authorities have decided to revoke the three-year ban imposed on him last year and allow him to participate in the tournament.&nbsp;

Djokovic missed the competition last year due to a visa issue and was deported from Australia for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. In January this year, Djokovic's visa was cancelled after he landed in Australia for the Australian Open with an 'exemption permission'.

He was later deported from the country after fighting a legal battle and was handed a three-year ban from entering Australia, casting doubts over his participation in the Australian Open in 2023. However, the Australian government has now reportedly decided to overturn the ban despite the 21-time Grand Slam champion still being unvaccinated.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cant-defend-that-former-man-utd-defender-rio-ferdinand-after-cristiano-ronaldos-explosive-interview-534297">Can't defend that: Former Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand after Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive interview</a>

As per Australia's national broadcaster ABC and several other leading Aussie outlets, the Australian government is keen on overturning Djokovic's ban to allow him to participate in the 2023 edition of the tournament. Reports suggest Australian Immigration Minister&nbsp;Andrew Giles has decided to give the nod to Djokovic to return to the country next year.

The Australian government had revoked Djokovic's visa and deported him earlier this year citing 'health and good order grounds'. The deportation resulted in Djokovic failing to launch a title defence at the Australian Open as his arch-rival Rafael Nadal went on to clinch the tournament to bag his 21st Grand Slam crown.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/novak-djokovic-deported-how-entire-australian-open-visa-saga-unfolded-445238">Novak Djokovic deported: How entire Australian Open visa saga unfolded</a>

Djokovic, who has won the Australian Open nine times in his career so far, was asked about his horrid experience in Australia this year during an interview with a Serbian website. The 21-Grand Slam champion said he is over what had happened and just wants to play tennis going forward.

"I am over what happened this year and I just want to play tennis, it is what I do best. Australia has always been the place where I have played my best tennis, the results speak for themselves, so I am always extra motivated to go there. This time even more so. I am hoping for a positive answer," Djokovic said.

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Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic is all set to take part in the Australian Open next year as he is likely to be granted a visa. The Australian authorities have decided to revoke the three-year ban imposed on him last year and allow him to participate in the tournament.

Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic is all set to take part in the Australian Open next year as he is likely to be granted a visa. The Australian authorities have decided to revoke the three-year ban imposed on him last year and allow him to participate in the tournament. Djokovic missed the competition last year due to a visa issue and was deported from Australia for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. In January this year, Djokovic's visa was cancelled after he landed in Australia for the Australian Open with an 'exemption permission'. He was later deported from the country after fighting a legal battle and was handed a three-year ban from entering Australia, casting doubts over his participation in the Australian Open in 2023. However, the Australian government has now reportedly decided to overturn the ban despite the 21-time Grand Slam champion still being unvaccinated. Also Read: Can't defend that: Former Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand after Cristiano Ronaldo's explosive interview As per Australia's national broadcaster ABC and several other leading Aussie outlets, the Australian government is keen on overturning Djokovic's ban to allow him to participate in the 2023 edition of the tournament. Reports suggest Australian Immigration Minister Andrew Giles has decided to give the nod to Djokovic to return to the country next year. The Australian government had revoked Djokovic's visa and deported him earlier this year citing 'health and good order grounds'. The deportation resulted in Djokovic failing to launch a title defence at the Australian Open as his arch-rival Rafael Nadal went on to clinch the tournament to bag his 21st Grand Slam crown. Also Read: Novak Djokovic deported: How entire Australian Open visa saga unfolded Djokovic, who has won the Australian Open nine times in his career so far, was asked about his horrid experience in Australia this year during an interview with a Serbian website. The 21-Grand Slam champion said he is over what had happened and just wants to play tennis going forward. "I am over what happened this year and I just want to play tennis, it is what I do best. Australia has always been the place where I have played my best tennis, the results speak for themselves, so I am always extra motivated to go there. This time even more so. I am hoping for a positive answer," Djokovic said. ×

Novak Djokovic will be allowed to participate in the 2023 Australian Open after ban overturned - Reports