Novak Djokovic has said he has been given 'positive signs' that he will be allowed to enter Australia and compete in the Australian Open in January despite being under a three-year visa ban.

The Serbian, whose ban was imposed along with his deportation for his potential to cause 'civil unrest' as a 'talisman of anti-vaccination sentiment', said these indications were on an 'unofficial' basis.

He added that he should have confirmation in 'the next few weeks' of whether he will be allowed in.

Djokovic was the world No.1 when he landed in Melbourne believing he had been granted exemption from the need to be vaccinated against COVID-19. 

Instead his visa was cancelled by the Australian Border Force and he was held at a detention hostel.

After much legal argument and huge media coverage Djokovic was deported with a three-year visa ban imposed. He subsequently missed the US Open too as he was not allowed entry into the United States, but won Wimbledon for his 21st grand slam.