By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday, November 16, 2022
Novak Djokovic noticed his Australian Open hopes go down the drain in 2022 when he was deported from the nation earlier than ever taking the courtroom. After a harrowing week in Melbourne during which he was pressured to remain in a detention middle as he waited for him time in courtroom, Djokovic flew again house with out having an opportunity to defend his 2021 title.
It was a weird, bitter controversy that set the tone for a troublesome 12 months for Djokovic.
His choice to stay unvaccinated brought on him to overlook a number of extra tournaments, together with Indian Wells, Miami, Toronto, Cincinnati and the US Open, however nothing hit him fairly as arduous because the state of affairs in Melbourne, the place he was granted an exemption to enter the nation earlier than having it revoked as he was thrust into one of many greatest sporting controversies of the 12 months.
After listening to news that his Australian visa shall be permitted in 2023, Djokovic is able to begin a brand new marketing campaign with enthusiasm – and hope. The 21-time main champion spoke of the significance of getting that readability on Wednesday in Turin, as he met with reporters after his 6-4, 6-1 victory over Andrey Rublev on the ATP Finals.
Djokovic – I couldn’t have acquired higher news
“Of course, I was very happy to receive the news yesterday,” the nine-time Aussie Open champion stated. “It was a relief obviously knowing what I and people closest to me in my life have been through this year with what happened in Australia and post Australia obviously. I could not have received better news for sure – during this tournament as well.”
The 35-year-old, who nonetheless managed to take house the Wimbledon title throughout his tumultuous 2022 season, improved to 39-7 in 2022 together with his win over Rublev. He says the news mirrored positively in his sport on Wednesday.
“I was very happy to receive the news yesterday. It was a relief obviously knowing what I and people closest to me in my life have been through this year with what happened in Australia and post Australia obviously. I could not receive better news for sure.”
Novak on Australia
— TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) November 16, 2022
“Did it affect my game today? I would like to believe it did,” he stated. “Why not?”
More probably is the truth that Djokovic has been capable of finding a rhythm because the US Open, taking part in repeatedly and being part of the tour. He was unable to try this by September, particularly with so many occasions being performed in North America the place Covid insurance policies didn’t permit him to enter the nation.
But a bit readability – and a few constructive news – can’t damage for the person who has received the final 21 matches he has performed on the Australian Open.
“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,” he stated. “Of course, knowing that I have clarity now, what I do in the off-season, starting the season in Australia, also of course did relieve some of the pressure me and my team felt. Just giving that clarity makes it great for us.
Djokovic is 82-8 lifetime at the Australian Open with nine titles in Melbourne. He’s happy he’ll have a chance to go back and establish himself as the player to beat on the ATP Tour in 2022.
“Australian Open has been my most successful Grand Slam,” he stated. “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.”