'Emotional' Djokovic receives warm welcome in Melbourne

The Serb star clashed with Nick Kyrgios in a practice match

By Web Desk
January 13, 2023
Novak  Djokovic was deported about a year ago after entering the country without a COVID-19 immunisation  — Twitter/Australian Open

Novak Djokovic was greeted with a warm welcome on his first public return to the Australian Open for a practice match against local favourite Nick Kyrgios in Melbourne.

Djokovic was deported about a year ago after entering the country without a Covid-19 immunisation at a period when there were still stringent quarantine rules in place and vaccination documentation requirements.

The Australian government reversed the three-year ban that came with Djokovic's deportation in November and gave him a visa to return for the Australian Open, which starts on January 16.

"I'm very happy. Thank you so much. I feel a bit emotional. I was looking forward to coming back to this court," said the 35-year-old after walking on to Rod Laver Arena to a grand reception.

When Djokovic played in Adelaide last week, where he won the ATP 250 tournament, he was welcomed back to Australia with open arms.

But Melbourne, which had to go through some of the strictest Covid-19 lockdowns in the world, was curious to see how people would react to him when he returned.

Many people in the city, which has a sizeable Serb community, were wearing the flag of the Balkan country as Djokovic entered the public eye for the first time since 2020.

Craig Tiley, the director of the Australian Open competition, urged spectators to show respect earlier this week and threatened to eject them from Melbourne Park if they jeered Djokovic.

Before the former world number one entered the court, his name was announced to raucous applause, drowning out a few jeers.

As he entered the court, where the nine-time champion has experienced some of his greatest triumphs, there was nothing but a deafening clamour.

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