Former world primary Novak Djokovic was as a result of return to Australia on Tuesday, virtually one yr after he was deported for refusing to be vaccinated towards Covid-19, the nation’s tennis boss stated.
Nine-time Australian Open champion Djokovic was initially banned from the nation for 3 years after dropping a high-stakes authorized battle earlier this yr over his vaccine standing.
Australia has since lifted its requirement for guests to indicate proof of vaccination towards Covid.
The authorities confirmed in November that the unvaccinated Serb was not banned and had been granted a visa permitting him to play within the subsequent Australian Open, which begins in January.
Tennis Australia chief government Craig Tiley stated he hoped native followers would embrace Djokovic’s return.
“We welcome him back to Australia,” he advised reporters.
“I think as we speak he’s landing in Adelaide and I think that he is going to be again the player to beat.
“I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public. I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react how we hope they will react.”
Djokovic, who has received 21 Grand Slam titles, has been condemned for his half within the saga, which performed out as rolling anti-vaccination protests occurred in Australia’s main cities.
He is scheduled to play within the Adelaide International, starting Sunday, as he warms up for the Open in Melbourne.
“Over the years I’ve been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there,” the world quantity 5 stated in Dubai final week after ending 2022 with a record-equalling sixth ATP Tour Finals crown.
“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.”
Djokovic final arrived in Melbourne in January for the primary Grand Slam event of the yr, claiming he had obtained a medical exemption to enter Australia with out being vaccinated as a result of he had not too long ago recovered from Covid-19.
However, Australian border officers stated he didn’t meet the necessities to be exempted from strict vaccination guidelines and he was detained for 5 days whereas pursuing an in the end fruitless authorized attraction.