Spectators of the Australian Open are warned: those who contest Novak Djokovic, excluded from Australia in 2022 due to his refusal to get vaccinated against Covid, will be expelled from the stands.
The Serbian, nine-time winner of the tournament, returns next week to Melbourne, a city which has suffered one of the longest lockdowns in the world during the pandemic.
Djokovic's attitude, who arrived in Australia unvaccinated in early 2022 and was expelled after a few days in solitary confinement, had divided public opinion.
A year later Djokovic was allowed to return to the country to play in the first Grand Slam tournament of 2023. And the director of the Australian Open, Craig Tiley, has warned spectators who intend to contest him.
"What I've always loved about Melbourne is that the public really appreciate the sport, in my opinion more than anywhere in Australia - he added - And I hope people take that into consideration."
The Australian Open kicks off next Monday, but Djokovic will play Melbourne on Friday at the already sold-out Rod Laver Arena in an exhibition match against Australian Nick Kyrgios.
Last week, for his return to an Australian course, the Serbian champion was warmly received by the crowd at the Adelaide tournament, which he won.
