Novak Djokovic back in Australia a year after deportation
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $14.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 26/12/2022 (728 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
SYDNEY (AP) — Novak Djokovic has arrived in Australia almost a year after he was deported over his stance against COVID-19 vaccination, Tennis Australia confirmed Wednesday.
Djokovic will open his 2023 campaign in Adelaide as he prepares for a shot at a 10th Australian Open title.
The 21-time major winner has been granted a visa by the Australian government and is listed to play at the Adelaide International, which starts Sunday.
The 35-year-old Serb arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday night, the governing body confirmed.
Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley indicated at a news conference Tuesday that Djokovic had arrived.
“Novak is welcome in Australia,” Tiley said. “I think as we speak he has landed in Adelaide and he’s going to be the player to beat (at the Australian Open) again.”
The Australian Open runs from Jan. 16-29 in Melbourne.
Djokovic missed the Grand Slam last year because of his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Australia has since lifted strict rules for unvaccinated travelers.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles last month confirmed that Djokovic, who had been facing a possible three-year ban after being deported, was granted a visa.
Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record nine times, including the last three times he played. Rafael Nadal won the 2022 title in Djokovic’s absence.
Questions remain around how Djokovic will be received by Australian fans this year. Tiley told reporters Tuesday he believed Djokovic will be well-received.
“I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public,” Tiley said. “We’re a very well-educated sporting public, particularly those who come to the tennis. They love their tennis, they love seeing greatness, they love seeing great athleticism, great matches.
“And I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react like we hope they would react and have respect for that.”
___
More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports