Good to be back, Novak? Djokovic is all smiles in Adelaide after returning to Australia for the first time since his deportation earlier this year
- Novak Djokovic was all smiles as he was pictured in Adelaide on Wednesday
- The 35-year-old has returned to Australia for the first time since his deportation
- Djokovic is aiming for his 10th Australian Open title and is playing in Adelaide
- Tennis chief Craig Tilley hopes the nation will welcome him with open arms
Novak Djokovic was in a buoyant mood as the tennis superstar was pictured in Australia for the first time since his deportation earlier this year.
The 35-year-old touched down in Adelaide last night, where he will open his 2023 campaign as he prepares for a shot at a 10th Australian Open title in Melbourne.
He had hoped to reach double figures in 2022, but was deported from Australia over his vaccination status and was subsequently hit with a three-year ban from the country. Rafael Nadal went onto win the tournament.
Novak Djokovic was all smiles as he was pictured in Australia for the first time
The 35-year-old superstar is preparing in Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open this year
Djokovic was deported from Australia last year due to his vaccination status
However, the 21-time major winner has since been granted a visa by the Australian government and is listed to play at the Adelaide International, which starts Sunday.
And on Wednesday, Djokovic took to the court with his team and was all smiles during a relaxed session. He was pictured laughing with a trainer at the net before being put through his paces.
‘Novak is welcome in Australia,’ Australian Open tournament director Craig Tilley said. ‘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 last year because of his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Australia has since lifted strict rules for unvaccinated travelers.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles last month confirmed that Djokovic, who had been facing a possible three-year ban after being deported, was granted a visa.
However, the Australian government has since revoked a three-year ban against the Serb
Djokovic took to the court on Wednesday afternoon and was all smiles in Adelaide
Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record nine times, including the last three times he played. Rafael Nadal won 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 said in Dubai last week at an exhibition tournament. ‘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.’
But questions remain around how Djokovic will be received by Australian fans. Tiley told reporters Tuesday he believed Djokovic will be well-received.
‘I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public,’ Tiley said. ‘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.’
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