Tennis: Welcome Novak Djokovic to Australia

Australian Open director Craig Tiley ruled that Novak Djokovic would “become the player to beat again”, as the Serb arrived in Australia on Tuesday for nearly a year. After discharge At the end of the politico-legal imbroglio linked to his vaccination status.

“We welcome him to Australia,” said the boss at the first Grand Slam tournament of the year (January 15-29 in Melbourne). “I think he’s coming down to Adelaide as we speak and I think he’ll be the player to beat again,” Craig Tiley continued. The Australian Confederation then confirmed that Serbs had set foot on national soil.

As part of his preparation for the Australian Open, Djokovic, currently world No. 5, will play in Adelaide starting on Sunday.

The Serbian has been kicked out of the 2022 Australian Open due to his vaccination status. Unvaccinated against Covid-19, he tried to return to the region with an exemption, was finally refused, and was expelled just before the start of the tournament after spending several days in a detention center and appealed for justice.

He was also slapped with ineligibility for three years. But Australia has waived the vaccination requirement and Djokovic, 35, received it His visa after his ban was lifted Stay in November.

The former world No. 1, winner of five titles including Wimbledon in 2022, is favorite for the Australian Open, a nine-time winner.

“In the past, I’ve always had the opportunity to start my years in Australia very strong and I’d love to play here,” Dubai’s “Djoko”, who has won a total of 21 Grand Slam titles, recalled on Friday. “After what happened last year, I hope I will be welcomed properly and that will help me play my best tennis,” he added.