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 said after his victory over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday.
Djokovic, who is Serbian, was deported from Australia in the lead-up to the Grand Slam in January after he declined to be vaccinated for Covid-19.
The former world number one was originally barred from the country until 2025.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said this month that Djokovic would be welcome in January if he could get a visa, but that Tennis Australia was unable to lobby on his behalf.
Australia has scrapped a rule that required international travelers to declare their Covid-19 vaccination status, and Djokovic said in October he had received "positive signs" about the status of efforts to overturn his ban.
The Serbian said: "I was very happy to receive the news yesterday. It was a relief obviously knowing what I and the people closest to me in my life have been through this year with what happened in Australia and post-Australia.
"I could not receive better news for sure - during this tournament as well.
"Did it affect my game today? I would like to believe it did. Why not? I don't think it did affect me too much because I'm familiar with what I need to do in order to prepare myself for every match.
"Of course, knowing that I have clarity now, what I do in the off-season, starting the season in Australia, also of course it did relieve some of the pressure me and my team felt. Just giving that clarity makes it great for us.
"Australian Open has been my most successful Grand Slam. I made some of the best memories there. Of course, I want to go back there, I want to play tennis, do what I do best, hopefully have a great Australian summer.
"I'm always thankful to go through experiences, no matter what the experiences are. I try to be optimistic and positive in life. I look forward to starting the new year in Australia, and we'll see how the next year goes."
Djokovic put in a flawless display against Rublev to make it through to the last four for the 11th time at the end-of-season event.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev meet later on Wednesday, with both men having lost their first match.
