Australia welcomed Novak Djokovic a year after he was deported over his COVID vaccine status. Officials confirmed the 21-time Grand Slam champion, 35, had landed in the country for January’s Australian Open.
The nine-time Australian Open Champions’ three-year visa was overturned after he lost the legal battle in January. His arrival comes in the backdrop of the Australian govt lifting its requirement for visitors to show proof of vaccination for COVID on arrival.
The government confirmed in November that the unvaccinated Serb was no longer barred and had been granted a visa allowing him to play in the opening Grand Slam of the year, which starts next month.
Earlier on Tuesday, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley told reporters that Djokovic would be arriving in Australia and voiced hopes he would be welcomed.
“I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public,” Tiley told reporters.
The Serbian former world number one won the season-ending ATP Finals last month and will be favoured to claim a 10th Australian Open crown, which would bring him level with Rafa Nadal on 22 Grand Slam titles.