“Novak Djokovic will become the player to beat again,” ruled the director of the Australian Open, Craig Tiley, hours before the Serbian tennis player’s arrival in Australia, not even a year after being deported due to a problem that originated in which the tennis player is not vaccinated against covid.
“We welcome you to Australia,” said the chief executive officer of the first Grand Slam of the year, which is held in Melbourne from January 16 to 29. As part of his preparation for the Australian Open, Djokovic, currently fifth in the world at 35, will play the ATP 250 tournament in Adelaide, starting on Sunday, January 1.
The Serbian was deprived of the 2022 edition of the Australian Open after being expelled from the country due to his vaccination status. Not vaccinated against Covid-19, he had tried to return to the territory with an exemption that was finally denied and had been expelled just before the start of the tournament after spending several days in a detention center and filing an appeal in court.
But the vaccination requirement in Australia has since been lifted and Djokovic got the visa from him after his travel ban was lifted in November. The former world number 1, winner of five titles in 2022, including Wimbledon, is the favorite of the Australian Open, which he has won nine times.
“In the past, I always had the opportunity to start my years in Australia very strong and I like playing here,” Nole, who has a total of 21 Grand Slam titles, said on Friday in Dubai, having Rafa Nadal’s record within a shot, with 22.
“After what happened last year, I hope it is well received and that it helps me play my best tennis,” added the Balkan about the reception he may have.
Nole Djokovic on his retirement
Novak Djokovic was asked his thoughts on his return to Melbourne, a competiton he has always loved.
“I always ask the best from myself so let’s see. Over the years I’ve been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there,” Djokovic said. “After obviously what happened earlier this year, hopefully I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis.
I would like to play as long as I possibly can. I don’t have really any number in my head. Things are progressing so far pretty well for me. I can’t complain,” he said. “So as long as I play at this level, as long as I have the fire, I’ll keep going.”
