Will Novak Djokovic get a positive reaction from Australian fans?

Kevin Palmer
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Novak Djokovic in action
Novak Djokovic

It was the story that dominated the sports and news agenda this time last year, with Novak Djokovic’s deportation from Australia rocking the tennis world.

Djokovic was initially given a visa to enter Australia despite his non-vaccinated status against Covid-19, but that pass was then withdrawn by the local authorities in a move that sparked a storm that overshadowed the first Grand Slam of 2022.

The world No 1 was eventually thrown out of Australia, but he is back in the country now and all eyes are on the reaction of the locals as he sets foot back on court.

Polls suggested around 70 per-cent of Australians do not back Djokovic’s presence in the country, but his first practice sessions in Adelaide have seen fans cheering him on from the sidelines.

The big test will come at the start of the Australian Open, but the vibes are all positive toward Djokovic as he sets his sights on a tenth title at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley was among those who came under fire for his role in the deportation fiasco last year and he is happy to see Djokovic back in his country.

“We welcome him back to Australia,” stated Tiley.

“I think as we speak he’s landing in Adelaide and I think that he is going to be again the player to beat.

“I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public. We’re a very well-educated sporting public, particularly those who come to the tennis.

“They love their tennis, they love seeing greatness, they love seeing great athleticism, great matches.

“And I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react like we hope they would react and have respect for that.”

There will still be some dissenting voices after Djokovic’s chaotic attempts to enter Australia last year under a ‘special exemption’, but the Serbian is confident he will win over the doubters.

“Over the years I’ve been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there,” said Djokovic.

“Hopefully I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis.

“I was really hoping that I’m going to have my permission back to get back into Australia and play here because it’s a country where I’ve had tremendous success in my career.

“I always felt great in Australia. I always played my best tennis and received a lot of support. Hopefully I can have another great summer.”

Djokovic is due to play his first match in Adelaide against Constant Lestienne of France, as he played in teh ATP 250 event as a warm-up for his latest challenge in Melbourne.

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