Acclaimed Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic touched down in Australia on Tuesday, nearly one 12 months after he was controversially deported for refusing to be vaccinated in opposition to COVID-19.
The nine-time Australian Open champion was initially banned from the nation for 3 years after shedding a high-stakes authorized battle in January over his vaccine standing.
Australia has since lifted its requirement for guests to point out proof of vaccination in opposition to COVID-19.
The authorities confirmed in November that the unvaccinated Serb was now not barred and had been granted a visa permitting him to play within the opening Grand Slam of the 12 months, which begins subsequent month.
Tennis Australia chief govt Craig Tiley stated he hoped native followers would embrace Djokovic’s return.
“We welcome him back to Australia,” he advised reporters.
“I believe as we converse he is touchdown in Adelaide and I believe that he’s going to be once more the participant 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.”
Tennis Australia confirmed that Djokovic had touched down.
Djokovic, who has gained 21 Grand Slams, has been criticized for his half within the saga, which performed out as rolling anti-vaccination protests happened 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 set foot in Australia practically a 12 months in the past, claiming he had obtained a medical exemption to enter the nation with out being vaccinated as a result of he had just lately 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 finally fruitless authorized attraction.
