Former world number one Novak Djokovic is scheduled to return to Australia on Tuesday, almost a year after he was deported for refusing to be vaccinated against the Covid-19 virus, according to the country’s tennis chief.
After losing a high-stakes legal battle earlier this year over his vaccination status, Djokovic was initially banned from entering Australia for three years.
Since then, Australia no longer requires travelers to provide proof of vaccination against Covid.
In November, the authorities declared that the unvaccinated Serb was no longer prohibited and had been granted a visa allowing him to compete in the upcoming Australian Open, which begins in January.
Craig Tiley, the chief executive officer of Tennis Australia, expressed hope that local fans will welcome Djokovic’s comeback.
“We look forward to his return to Australia,” he told reporters.
“I believe he is landing in Adelaide as we speak, and I believe he will once again be the player to beat.
“I have an abundance of faith in the Australian public. I am really confident that the fans will respond as we anticipate.”
Djokovic, who has won 21 Grand Slam titles, has been lambasted for his role in the saga, which unfolded as anti-vaccination protests rolled through the main cities of Australia.
Beginning on Sunday, he is slated to compete in the Adelaide International in preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne.
The world’s fifth-ranked player stated last week in Dubai, following a record-tying sixth ATP Tour Finals victory in 2022, “Over the years, I’ve been incredibly lucky to start extremely strong in Australia, and I adore playing there.”
“After what obviously transpired earlier this year, I’m hoping for a favorable reaction and that it will help me play excellent tennis.”
Djokovic came in Melbourne for the opening Grand Slam tournament of the year in January, saying he had secured a medical permission to enter the country without being vaccinated against Covid-19.
However, Australian border officials determined that he did not meet the standards to be exempt from strict vaccination regulations, and he was imprisoned for five days while he pursued a legal appeal that ultimately proved futile.
»One year after being deported, Novak Djokovic lands in Australia«