One year after being expelled from the country, Mr. Novak Djokovic returned to Australia on Tuesday (December 27) to compete in the Australian Open starting on Sunday.

episodic exile

The 35-year-old athlete was deported on the eve of the start of the tournament in Melbourne after traveling to “kangaroo country” without being vaccinated against coronavirus.

Despite not being vaccinated, “Knole” was involved in a lengthy dispute with the Australian authorities and provided medical reports that were deemed insufficient.

His participation in last year’s tournament was decided at the last moment, as his latest appeal was rejected on the eve of his first match. In the end, he was taken to the airport from the detention center where he was being held and deported.

He’s trying to match Nadal’s record.

Australia has since lifted all coronavirus travel measures, including the provision of a vaccination certificate.

So last month, the Australian government granted a Serb a visa to travel and compete in the first Grand Slam of 2023, saying it has decided to reverse the decision to revoke the visa after considering all relevant factors.

His representative Tennis Australia confirmed that the plane carrying Novak Djokovic landed in Adelaide on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day, Australian Open director Craig Tiley expressed hope that Djokovic would be warmly welcomed by the Australian public.

“I have a lot of confidence in the Australian public,” Tiley said. see great athletes, great matches. And I’m very confident that the fans will respond the way we hope and respect it.”

The former world number one won the ATP final last month and will be looking to claim his 10th Australian Open crown, tying Rafa Nadal for Grand Slam titles (22).

The event will take place at Melbourne Park from 16 to 29 January.

According to Reuters, Guardian