Australian Open: Novak Djokovic, a nine-time winner of the Australian Open, expressed his joy at having his visa suspension overturned, allowing him to participate in the tournament next year.
The 35-year-old Serb, who is the most successful male player in the tournament’s history, was imprisoned and deported for not having a Covid-19 vaccine, therefore he missed this year’s tournament.
The Australian government has decided to lift the ban on the former world’s No. 1 Djokovic entering the nation until 2025.
After defeating Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals in Turin on Wednesday, Djokovic, whose deportation dominated the lead-up to this year’s Australian Open, said: “I was very happy to receive the news yesterday.”
Knowing what I and the people in my life closest to me have been through this year with what happened in Australia and obviously, after Australia, it was obviously a relief.
“I could not have asked for greater news, not only during this competition. The Grand Slam I’ve won the most often is the Australian Open. There, I created some of my favourite memories.
“Did it impact my performance today? I’d like to think that it did. why not I don’t believe it had a significant impact on me because I know what I need to do to get ready for every match.
Naturally, having clarity about my off-season activities, the start of the season in Australia, and other issues helped to lessen the stress that I and my staff were experiencing.
“Naturally, I want to return there, play tennis, do what I do best, and hopefully have a wonderful Australian summer.
“In life, I try to be upbeat and positive. We’ll see how the coming year goes, but I’m excited to begin the new year in Australia. No matter what experiences I have, I’m always grateful for them.
Djokovic would be welcome in January if he could obtain a visa, according to tournament director Craig Tiley, who also said earlier this month that Tennis Australia was unable to advocate on his behalf.
Australia removed a requirement that travellers from other countries reveal whether they had had the Covid vaccine in July, and Djokovic stated in October that he had heard “good indicators” regarding the progress of efforts to lift his ban.
For tennis match today, tennis live score, tennis championship, tennis court, tennis tournament, tennis live score update and other tennis news follow livematchupdatesnews.com.
