Final Up to date: December 27, 2022, 19:48 IST
Novak Djokovic (Twitter Picture)
The Australian authorities introduced that unvaccinated Novak Djokovic was not barred and had been granted a visa permitting him to play within the opening Grand Slam of the yr
Former world primary Novak Djokovic arrived in Australia on Tuesday nearly one yr after he was deported for refusing to be vaccinated towards Covid-19, tennis officers stated.
The nine-time Australian Open champion was initially banned from the nation for 3 years after shedding a high-stakes authorized battle in January over his vaccine standing.
Australia has since lifted its requirement for guests to indicate proof of vaccination towards Covid.
The federal government confirmed in November that the unvaccinated Serb was not barred and had been granted a visa permitting him to play within the opening Grand Slam of the yr, which begins subsequent month.
Tennis Australia chief govt Craig Tiley stated he hoped native followers would embrace Djokovic’s return.
“We welcome him again to Australia,” he advised reporters.
“I feel as we converse he’s touchdown in Adelaide and I feel that he’s going to be once more the participant to beat.
“I’ve quite a lot of confidence within the Australian public. I’ve plenty of confidence that the followers will react how we hope they may react.”
Tennis Australia confirmed that Djokovic had touched down.
Djokovic, who has gained 21 Grand Slams, has been criticised for his half within the saga, which performed out as rolling anti-vaccination protests came about in Australia’s main cities.
He’s scheduled to play within the Adelaide Worldwide, starting Sunday, as he warms up for the Open in Melbourne.
“Over time I’ve been actually lucky to begin very sturdy in Australia and I like enjoying there,” the world quantity 5 stated in Dubai final week after ending 2022 with a record-equalling sixth ATP Tour Finals crown.
“After clearly what occurred earlier this yr, hopefully I can have an honest reception there and hopefully that may assist me play some good tennis.”
Djokovic final set foot in Australia practically a yr in the past, claiming he had obtained a medical exemption to enter the nation with out being vaccinated as a result of he had just lately recovered from Covid-19.
Nonetheless, Australian border officers stated he didn’t meet the necessities to be exempted from strict vaccination guidelines and he was detained for 5 days whereas pursuing an finally fruitless authorized attraction.
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