(Sydney) Serbian Novak Djokovic has arrived in Australia almost a year after being deported due to his stance against COVID-19 vaccination, Tennis Australia has confirmed.
Djokovic will open his 2023 campaign in Adelaide, as he looks to win a 10e Australian Open title.
The first of four Grand Slam tournaments in the calendar year will take place in Melbourne from January 16-29.
Holder of 21 Grand Slam titles in men’s singles, Djokovic has received a visa from the Australian government, and his name is on the list of players who must participate in the Adelaide tournament, which begins on Sunday.
Djokovic, 35, missed the Australian Grand Slam last year due to his refusal to get a COVID-19 vaccine. Australia has since lifted strict rules for unvaccinated travellers.
Craig Tiley, Australian Open manager, told a press conference on Tuesday that Djokovic had arrived.
“Novak is welcome in Australia,” said Tiley. “I think as we speak he has landed in Adelaide and he will be the player to beat. [aux Internationaux d’Australie] one more time. »
Djokovic has won the Australian Open on nine occasions, a tournament record, including his last three appearances.
Spaniard Rafael Nadal won the title in 2022 in Djokovic’s absence.
Questions remain over how Djokovic will be received by Australian fans this year. Tiley told reporters on Tuesday he thought Djokovic would be well received.
“I have great faith in the Australian public,” said Tiley.
“We are a very well educated sporting public, especially those who come to tennis. They love their tennis, they love to see greatness, they love to see athletics, big games. And I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react as we hope and have respect for that. »