Djokovic is returning to Australia after being expelled in January. I hope the fans give me a warm welcome, says the nine-time champion

This January, Novak Djokovic’s name was missing from the list of Australian Open participants. The Serbian star refused to be vaccinated against the coronavirus and was deported from the country. The threat of a subsequent three-year ban from Australia did not materialise and the winner of 21 Grand Slam trophies can try to win his tenth title in Melbourne.

The expulsion of one of the best tennis players of all time earlier this year, just before the start of the Australian Grand Slam, sparked a wave of controversy. For Djokovic, however, there was a worse potential consequence.

The Belgrade native was originally granted an exemption from mandatory vaccinations, which was allowed by a regulation from the Victoria state health department.

Upon arrival, however, his proof of a positive test from December 2021, a recent coronavirus infection, and the approved permit were called into question. Despite the appeal, his visa was revoked “in the public interest”.

Such a removal would have meant a three-year ban from entering Australia. In the end, all turned out well for the 35-year-old as the government there lifted the restriction. Back in July, the requirement to show proof of coronavirus vaccination on arrival in the world’s sixth largest country ended.

And it looks like both sides are looking forward to the return of the king of men’s singles in Australian Open history. Eurosport quotes Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley as saying

“I have great confidence in the Australian public. I believe the public will react as we hope they will,” Tiley said.

It is the reaction of the domestic white supporters and visitors to the tournament that will be interesting to watch. In any case, Djokovic himself admits that he has always played well with his opponents.

“In previous years I was really lucky to be in good shape in Australia, I love playing there,” he said at the recent World Tennis League exhibition match in Dubai, as we can read in another article on Eurosport’s website.

“After what happened at the beginning of this year, hopefully the crowd will give me a warm welcome and help me to perform well, ” hopes the six-time Masters champion.

Rafael Nadal, the current world number two, won the singles title at the 2022 Australian Open. The Spaniard has 22 Grand Slam titles, one more than the Serb.

Djokovic is currently ranked fifth in the ATP rankings and will once again be one of the main favourites for the overall victory. The last time he conquered a Grand Slam was this July when he dominated Wimbledon.

Will he equal his eternal rival in the number of tennis’ most prestigious trophies at the start of the new season and sway the Australian public (back) to his side? We’ll find out soon enough, in about a month’s time. The 111th edition of the famous sporting event will take place from 17 to 30 January 2023.

Source: Eurosport, ATP