Novak Djokovic plays towards Sebastian Ofner through day 5 of the Entire world Tennis League at Coca-Cola Arena on Dec. 23, 2022 in Dubai.
Christopher Pike | Getty Images Sport | Getty Pictures
Novak Djokovic has arrived in Australia just about a calendar year immediately after he was deported over his stance towards Covid-19 vaccination, Tennis Australia confirmed Wednesday.
Djokovic will open his 2023 marketing campaign in Adelaide as he prepares for a shot at a 10th Australian Open title.
The 21-time big winner has been granted a visa by the Australian federal government and is shown to play at the Adelaide Worldwide, which starts off Sunday.
The 35-calendar year-outdated Serb arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday night time, the governing overall body verified.
Australian Open up event director Craig Tiley indicated at a information convention Tuesday that Djokovic experienced arrived.
“Novak is welcome in Australia,” Tiley stated. “I believe as we talk he has landed in Adelaide and he is going to be the player to beat (at the Australian Open) once more.”
The Australian Open up operates from Jan. 16-29 in Melbourne.
Djokovic skipped the Grand Slam previous 12 months since of his refusal to be vaccinated versus Covid-19. Australia has considering that lifted stringent principles for unvaccinated travelers.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles very last thirty day period confirmed that Djokovic, who experienced been dealing with a probable 3-calendar year ban after being deported, was granted a visa.
Djokovic has gained the Australian Open up a record 9 situations, including the final three periods he performed. Rafael Nadal gained the 2022 title in Djokovic’s absence.
Issues keep on being around how Djokovic will be acquired by Australian lovers this calendar year. Tiley told reporters Tuesday he believed Djokovic will be nicely-obtained.
“I have a great offer of self confidence in the Australian general public,” Tiley mentioned. “We are a quite nicely-educated sporting public, significantly individuals who arrive to the tennis. They like their tennis, they adore seeing greatness, they appreciate viewing wonderful athleticism, excellent matches.
“And I have a lot of assurance that the fans will respond like we hope they would respond and have regard for that.”