Novak Djokovic can’t forget being deported but ready to move on in Australia
- Former world No 1’s visa ban was waived, opening up a path for Djokovic to target a 10th Australian Open crown and tie Rafa Nadal’s mark of 22 grand slam titles
- ‘Coming back to Australia speaks about how I feel about this country and how I feel about playing here,’ Djokovic says ahead of Australian Open warm up in Adelaide
Novak Djokovic will never forget how it felt to be deported from Australia earlier this year but the Serb said his willingness to return for next month’s grand slam at Melbourne Park shows the depth of feeling he has for the country.
Djokovic was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open in January for not being vaccinated against Covid-19 and received a three-year travel ban for the country.
However, the former world No 1’s visa ban was waived in November, opening up a path for Djokovic to target a 10th Australian Open crown and giving him a chance to tie Rafa Nadal’s mark of 22 grand slam titles.
“You can’t forget those events, it’s one of those things that stick with you,” said Djokovic in his first news conference since returning to Australia.
“It stays with you for the rest of your life. It’s something I’ve never experienced before and hopefully never again, but it is a valuable life experience for me.
“But I have to move on and coming back to Australia speaks about how I feel about this country and how I feel about playing here.”
Djokovic will warm up for the Australian Open by playing in the Adelaide International starting on January 1 and he is hoping for a warm reception from local fans.