Djokovic again in Australia forward of Open – report

Novak Djokovic has arrived in Australia almost a 12 months after he was deported from the nation, the Sydney Morning Herald reported on Tuesday, forward of his bid for a tenth males’s singles title at subsequent month’s Australian Open.

Djokovic landed in Adelaide the place he is because of play within the Adelaide International starting on Sunday, the report mentioned.

The 35-year-old was deported on the eve of this 12 months’s match in Melbourne after he arrived within the nation with out being vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.

In November, the Australian authorities granted the Serbian a visa to journey to the Grand Slam occasion, saying it had determined to revoke the choice to cancel Djokovic’s visa after contemplating all related elements.

Since the cancellation of Djokovic’s visa in January 2022, all COVID-related border restrictions have been eliminated in Australia, together with the requirement to supply proof of vaccination standing to enter the nation.

Earlier on Tuesday, Australian Open match director Craig Tiley informed reporters that Djokovic could be arriving in Australia and voiced hopes he could be welcomed.

“I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public,” Tiley informed reporters.

“We’re a really well-educated sporting public, notably those that come to the tennis, they love their tennis, they love seeing greatness, they love seeing nice athleticism, nice matches.

“And I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react like we hope they would react and have respect for that.”

Djokovic’s representatives and Tennis Australia didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

The Serbian former world primary received the season-ending ATP Finals final month and will likely be favoured to say a tenth Australian Open crown, which might convey him stage with Rafa Nadal on 22 Grand Slam titles.

The 2023 Australian Open takes place at Melbourne Park from Jan. 16-29.