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Tennis: enthusiastic reception for Djokovic's premiere in Australia

2023-01-02T09:16:17.072Z


For his return to Australia, after his expulsion in 2022 due to his non-vaccinated status against Covid-19, Serbian Novak Djokovic


Serbian Novak Djokovic was given a warm welcome at the Adelaide tournament on Monday, for his first official meeting in Australia since the soap opera of his expulsion from the country last year because of his status as not vaccinated against Covid. -19.

The player with 21 Grand Slam titles made his debut in a doubles alongside Canadian Vasek Pospisil, which ended in a three-set loss to specialists Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar.

But the main thing was elsewhere for “Nole”.

Applause, encouragement to the rhythm of "Novak, Novak", then selfie and autograph sessions on his release, Djokovic, currently 5th in the ATP rankings, received a particularly enthusiastic welcome.

Certainly, the Serbian flags in the crowded stands testified to the presence of many compatriots, but the 35-year-old player seemed to be unanimous.

A world of deviation from the treatment he received a year ago from the authorities after he tried to circumvent the vaccination obligation then in force in this country.

This episode had earned him deportation after a stay in a detention center, criticism from local politicians and legal action.

Djokovic had also received a three-year ban, but this ban was lifted following a change of government in Australia.

Upon his arrival in the country last week, “Djoko”, who will try to win a 22nd Grand Slam title this month in Melbourne (January 16-29), admitted that he would never forget this mishap, but stated that he wanted to "move forward".

The Serb will make his singles debut on Tuesday in Adelaide against Frenchman Constant Lestienne.

Source: leparis

All sports articles on 2023-01-02

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