The government confirmed in November that the unvaccinated Serb was no longer barred and had been granted a visa to compete in the year’s first Grand Slam, which begins next month.
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley expressed hope that Djokovic’s return would be welcomed by local fans.
We welcome him back to Australia, he told 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 lot of faith in the Australian people. I’m confident that the fans will react the way we expect them to.
Djokovic’s arrival was confirmed by Tennis Australia. Djokovic, who has 21 Grand Slam titles, has been chastised for his role in the saga, which unfolded as anti-vaccination protests raged in Australia’s major cities.
He’ll play in the Adelaide International starting Sunday as a warm-up for the Open in Melbourne.
I’ve been very fortunate over the years to start very strong in Australia, and I love playing there, the world number five said last week in Dubai after finishing 2022 with a record-tying sixth ATP Tour Finals title.source: The Economic TimesObviously, given what happened earlier this year, I’m hoping for a good reception there, which will help me play some good tennis.
Djokovic last visited Australia nearly a year ago, claiming he had a medical exemption to enter the country without being vaccinated due to his recovery from Covid-19.
However, Australian border officials determined that he did not meet the requirements for exemption from strict vaccination requirements, and he was detained for five days while pursuing an ultimately futile legal appeal.
