28 December,2022 08:15 AM IST | Sydney | AFP
Novak Djokovic
Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic arrived in Australia on Tuesday almost one year after he was deported for refusing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, tennis officials said.
The nine-time Australian Open champion was initially banned from the country for three years after losing a high-stakes legal battle in January over his vaccine status. Australia has since lifted its requirement for visitors to show proof of vaccination against Covid.
The government confirmed in November that the unvaccinated Serb was no longer barred and had been granted a visa allowing him to play in the opening Grand Slam of the year, which starts next month. Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said he hoped local fans would embrace Djokovic's return.
"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 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."
ALSO READ
Paris Paralympics 2024: Hokato Sema secures bronze in men's F57 shot put final
Dilip Gavit qualifies for men’s 400m final
Closing ceremony: Harvinder, Preethi appointed flag-bearers
Sabalenka will be tough to beat: Pegula
"Sportspersons too must go in for regular cardiac check-ups", Dr Ajit Desai
Tennis Australia confirmed that Djokovic had touched down. Djokovic, who has won 21 Grand Slams, has been criticised for his part in the saga, which played out as rolling anti-vaccination protests took place in Australia's major cities. He is scheduled to play in the Adelaide International, beginning 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 No.5 said in Dubai last week after ending 2022 with a record-equalling sixth ATP Tour Finals crown.
Also Read: Djokovic to start 2023 in Adelaide ahead of Australian Open
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever