(Adelaide) Serbian Novak Djokovic was treated to a warm welcome Monday at the Adelaide tournament, for his first official meeting in Australia since the soap opera of his expulsion from the country last year because of his status not vaccinated against COVID-19.
The player with 21 Grand Slam titles made his debut in a doubles alongside Canadian Vasek Pospisil, which ended in a three-set loss to specialists Tomislav Brkic (BOS) and Gonzalo Escobar (ECU). But the main thing was elsewhere for “Nole”.
Applause, encouragement to the rhythm of “Novak, Novak”, then selfie and autograph sessions when he leaves, Djokovic, currently 5e in the ATP rankings, received a particularly enthusiastic reception.
Certainly, the Serbian flags in the crowded stands testified to the presence of many compatriots, but the 35-year-old player seemed to be unanimous.
A world of deviation from the treatment he received a year ago from the authorities after he tried to circumvent the vaccination obligation then in force in this country.
This episode had earned him deportation after a stay in a detention center, criticism from local politicians and legal action.
Djokovic had also received a three-year inadmissibility, but this measure was lifted in favor of a change of government in Australia.
Upon his arrival in the country last week, “Djoko”, who will try this month to land a 22e Grand Slam title in Melbourne (January 16-29), admitted that he would never forget this misadventure, but said he wanted to “move forward”.
The Serb will make his singles debut on Tuesday in Adelaide against Frenchman Constant Lestienne.