Serbia's Novak Djokovic wears a face mask as he listens to the national anthems prior to a Davis Cup group F match between Serbia and Austria in Innsbruck, Austria, Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. (Photo/Michael Probst)
Novak Djokovic will participate in a professional tournament in Australia for the first time since 2021
Novak Djokovic will finally be back in Australia and kickstart his 2023 season with Adelaide International in January. The Adelaide International is an ATP 250 event and it is scheduled to begin on January 1. Djokovic’s participation has been officially confirmed by Tennis Australia and Australian Open boss Craig Tiley.
The Serbian star is set to be in action Down Under after a gap of more than one year. Last year, he was barred from participating in the Australian Open due to his COVID-19 vaccination status. While he initially received an exemption from Australia’s strict vaccination requirement to enter the country, after a lot of back and forth between Djokovic and the Australian legal system, he was eventually deported from Australia. Djokovic’s unceremonious departure had given rise to a huge controversy which didn’t seem to end but all of that should be put to an end now that Djokovic is preparing to win another title in Australia.
Tennis fans are excited to watch Djokovic back in action and the news certainly delighted a lot of fans. Let us take a look at some of the reactions.
“I hope they prove to deserve his presence this time more than ever. @DjokerNole is a blessing both as a player and as a human being”, wrote a fan.
“He complains how badly he was treated January this year and all a big, controversial mess. Now he wants to go back in. A man who has been, deported, disqualified and has an anger problem will never be the GOAT. Some need to learn these facts” – another fan criticised his action.
“What a disgrace. I hope he’s loudly booed for being the biggest douchbag in Tennis”, read a tweet.
“The journey of vindication begins. Go well, Novak”, tweeted another fan.
Another fan wrote: “I need him to post a pic in that infamous cardigan in Australia idc it’s like +39 there.”
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