Novak Djokovic is hoping he’ll obtain a heat welcome from the general public when he returns to the Australian Open subsequent month, now that the drama surrounding his vaccination standing and deportation is formally behind him.
A nine-time champion at Melbourne Park, Djokovic was unable to compete within the opening Grand Slam of the season in 2022 after he was deported from Australia over fears he would incite anti-vax sentiment.
On account of his deportation, Djokovic was banned from getting into Australia once more however that call has been reversed and the world quantity 5 is happy he’ll get the possibility to vie for a tenth title in Melbourne and a males’s record-equalling twenty second main crown total.
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“I all the time ask the very best from myself so let’s see. Through the years I’ve been actually lucky to begin very sturdy in Australia and I really like taking part in there,” Djokovic informed reporters on the World Tennis League in Dubai on Friday.
“After clearly what occurred earlier this 12 months, hopefully I can have a good reception there and hopefully that may assist me play some good tennis.”
The 35-year-old Djokovic was unable to compete in two of the 4 majors this 12 months as his vaccination stance meant he was additionally pressured to take a seat out the US Open.
Nonetheless, he completed his 2022 marketing campaign with a bang, profitable titles in Tel Aviv, Astana and the ATP Finals in Turin, in addition to reaching the ultimate of the Paris Masters.
He additionally picked up trophies in Rome and Wimbledon and tallied up a 42-7 win-loss document all through the season.
The Serb had talked about previously he wish to play into his 40s.
Requested if he nonetheless felt that manner, Djokovic mentioned: “I wish to play so long as I presumably can. I don’t have actually any quantity in my head. Issues are progressing up to now fairly nicely for me. I can’t complain. So so long as I play at this degree, so long as I’ve the hearth, I’ll hold going.”
In the meantime, world primary Iga Swiatek was comfortable to see herself land within the fifth spot on Forbes’ annual record of the world’s highest-paid feminine athletes.
Nonetheless, the 21-year-old Pole admits she hopes to increase her endorsement portfolio so her earnings aren’t simply depending on her performances on court docket.
In response to Forbes, Swiatek has made $14.9 million over the previous 12 months, $9.9 million of which got here from match prize cash.
In the meantime, Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams – who’ve spent considerably much less time competing on tour in 2022 – are the highest two athletes on the record, with the previous reportedly incomes $51.1 million and the latter making $41.3 million.
“It’s not my motivation. Essentially the most enjoyable I’ve on court docket is after I really don’t take into consideration issues like that,” assured Swiatek, who gained eight titles in 2022, together with two Grand Slams.
“I’m fairly comfortable that my life modified a lot that I can compete on the highest degree and earn a lot cash from it as a result of that is additionally one thing that’s actually serving to us recognize the game now we have.”
Djokovic is hoping he’ll obtain a heat welcome from the general public when he returns to the Australian Open subsequent month, now that the drama surrounding his vaccination standing and deportation is formally behind him.
A nine-time champion at Melbourne Park, Djokovic was unable to compete within the opening Grand Slam of the season in 2022 after he was deported from Australia over fears he would incite anti-vax sentiment.
On account of his deportation, Djokovic was banned from getting into Australia once more however that call has been reversed and the world quantity 5 is happy he’ll get the possibility to vie for a tenth title in Melbourne and a males’s record-equalling twenty second main crown total.
“I all the time ask the very best from myself so let’s see. Through the years I’ve been actually lucky to begin very sturdy in Australia and I really like taking part in there,” Djokovic informed reporters on the World Tennis League in Dubai on Friday.
“After clearly what occurred earlier this 12 months, hopefully I can have a good reception there and hopefully that may assist me play some good tennis.”
The 35-year-old Djokovic was unable to compete in two of the 4 majors this 12 months as his vaccination stance meant he was additionally pressured to take a seat out the US Open.
Nonetheless, he completed his 2022 marketing campaign with a bang, profitable titles in Tel Aviv, Astana and the ATP Finals in Turin, in addition to reaching the ultimate of the Paris Masters.
He additionally picked up trophies in Rome and Wimbledon and tallied up a 42-7 win-loss document all through the season.
The Serb had talked about previously he wish to play into his 40s.
Requested if he nonetheless felt that manner, Djokovic mentioned: “I wish to play so long as I presumably can. I don’t have actually any quantity in my head. Issues are progressing up to now fairly nicely for me. I can’t complain. So so long as I play at this degree, so long as I’ve the hearth, I’ll hold going.”
In the meantime, world primary Iga Swiatek was comfortable to see herself land within the fifth spot on Forbes’ annual record of the world’s highest-paid feminine athletes.
Nonetheless, the 21-year-old Pole admits she hopes to increase her endorsement portfolio so her earnings aren’t simply depending on her performances on court docket.
In response to Forbes, Swiatek has made $14.9 million over the previous 12 months, $9.9 million of which got here from match prize cash.
In the meantime, Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams – who’ve spent considerably much less time competing on tour in 2022 – are the highest two athletes on the record, with the previous reportedly incomes $51.1 million and the latter making $41.3 million.
“It’s not my motivation. Essentially the most enjoyable I’ve on court docket is after I really don’t take into consideration issues like that,” assured Swiatek, who gained eight titles in 2022, together with two Grand Slams.
“I’m fairly comfortable that my life modified a lot that I can compete on the highest degree and earn a lot cash from it as a result of that is additionally one thing that’s actually serving to us recognize the game now we have.”
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