Djokovic in Australia, this time at the Open he is "welcome"

A year ago he was sent home.

The story of the no to the covid vaccine had in fact cost the expulsion from Australia for Nole Djokovic, who instead now 12 months later is "welcome" to the land of kangaroos.

The Serbian tennis champion, after confirming his participation in the Melbourne Open last November, the first slam of the season, has arrived in Adelaide where he will begin preparations in view of the Open.

Djokovic will once again be "the player to beat" once his tournament ban has been lifted, said Australian Open director Craig Tiley.

"We welcome him to Australia", added the No. 1 of the tournament which will start on January 15th.

And Djokovic has landed in Australia, as confirmed by the Aussie federation itself.

Djokovic, currently number 5 in the world, to prepare for the Melbourne appointment will play the Adelaide tournament from Sunday, which opens the new year.

The Serbian champion was banned from playing last year, after being expelled from the country due to his no-vax positions.

Not vaccinated against covid, Djokovic had tried to stay in Australia with a certificate, but was then sent home.

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vaccine obligation has now been lifted in the country and Djokovic has obtained a visa.

The former world number 1, winner of five titles in 2022, including Wimbledon, is the favorite of the Australian Open, which he has already won nine times.

"In the past, I've always had the opportunity to start my years in Australia very well and I like playing here," Djokovic said in recent days. "After what happened last year, I hope to be welcomed properly and that this help me".