Novak Djokovic has arrived in Australia nearly a yr 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 tenth Australian Open title.
The 21-time main winner has been granted a visa by the Australian authorities and is listed to play on the Adelaide International, which begins Sunday.
The 35-year-old Serb arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday night time, the governing physique confirmed.
Australian Open match director Craig Tiley indicated at a news convention Tuesday that Djokovic had arrived.
“Novak is welcome in Australia,” Tiley stated. “I think as we speak he has landed in Adelaide and he’s going to be the player to beat (at the Australian Open) again.”
The Australian Open runs from Jan. 16-29 in Melbourne.
Djokovic missed the Grand Slam final yr due to his refusal to be vaccinated towards COVID-19. Australia has since lifted strict guidelines for unvaccinated vacationers.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles final month confirmed that Djokovic, who had been dealing with a potential three-year ban after being deported, was granted a visa.
Djokovic has gained the Australian Open a report 9 instances, together with the final 3 times he performed. Rafael Nadal gained the 2022 title in Djokovic’s absence.
“Over the years I’ve been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there,” Djokovic stated in Dubai final week at an exhibition match. “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.”
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But questions stay round how Djokovic can be acquired by Australian followers. Tiley advised reporters Tuesday he believed Djokovic can be well-received.
“I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public,” Tiley stated. “We’re a very well-educated sporting public, particularly those who come to the tennis. They love their tennis, they love seeing greatness, they love seeing great athleticism, great matches.
“And I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react like we hope they would react and have respect for that.”