Djokovic arrives in Australia to prepare for the new season

The flight carrying Novak Djokovic on December 27 landed in Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. The owner of 21 Grand Slams is present to prepare for the Adelaide International 1, which starts from January 2. The media and a large number of fans paid attention to Nole, but the Serbian tennis player was not ostentatious in his return to the country of Kangaroos. He also had time to practice lightly, getting used to the court at Memorial Drive Tennis Center, where the event will take place in early 2023.

Novak Djokovic is allowed to attend the Australian Open early next year, after the Australian Government lifted his travel ban. In January 2022, Djokovic had his visa canceled before the Australian Open and was expelled from the country because he did not receive a Covid-19 vaccine. He was then banned from entering the country for three years, by then Immigration Minister Alex Hawke. Australia now has a new government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who regularly plays tennis.

In January, Djokovic flew from Australia to Dubai, UAE after being deported. This time, he flew from the UAE itself to return to Australia, after having just attended the World Tennis League team friendly tournament.

"We welcome Djokovic back to Australia," said Craig Tiley, Australian Open Director and President of the Australian Tennis Federation. "If anyone wants to win the Australian Open next year, they will have to beat Djokovic. The audience in Australia loves tennis, and Nole's presence will make them see more great matches."

Many colleagues are happy for Djokovic, when the Serbian player has the 10th chance to win the Australian Open. Rafael Nadal, the only person to be above Nole in terms of Grand Slam numbers, said: "Novak being in Australia is good for tennis and for the spectators. Everyone wants to have the best players on the court."

While Djokovic practiced in Adelaide, Nadal was in Sydney to prepare for the United Cup team tournament starting December 29. The two legends of felt ball will fly to Melbourne in the middle of January, to attend the Australian Open and continue to compete in the race for the number of Grand Slams.