Tennis

Novak Djokovic lands in Adelaide ahead of Australian Open

Serb was deported on eve of 2022 edition of Grand Slam over Covid-19 regulations

Serbia's Novak Djokovic is in Australia ahead of the Grand Slam. Photograph: Ryan Lim/AFP via Getty

Tue Dec 27 2022 - 13:12

Novak Djokovic has arrived in Australia nearly a year after he was deported from the country, the Sydney Morning Herald reported on Tuesday, ahead of his bid for a 10th men’s singles title at next month’s Australian Open.

Djokovic landed in Adelaide where he is due to play in the Adelaide International beginning on Sunday, the report said.

The 35-year-old was deported on the eve of this year’s tournament in Melbourne after he arrived in the country without being vaccinated against Covid-19.

In November, the Australian government granted the Serbian a visa to travel to the Grand Slam event, saying it had decided to revoke the decision to cancel Djokovic's visa after considering all relevant factors.

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Since the cancellation of Djokovic’s visa in January 2022, all Covid-related border restrictions have been removed in Australia, including the requirement to provide evidence of vaccination status to enter the country.

Earlier on Tuesday, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley told reporters that Djokovic would be arriving in Australia and voiced hopes he would be welcomed.

"I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public," Tiley told reporters.

"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."

Djokovic's representatives and Tennis Australia did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Serbian former world number one won the season-ending ATP Finals last month and will be favoured to claim a 10th Australian Open crown, which would bring him level with Rafa Nadal on 22 Grand Slam titles.

The 2023 Australian Open takes place at Melbourne Park from January 16th to 29th.

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