Reuters
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Novak Djokovic will always remember the way it felt to be deported from Australia earlier this 12 months however the Serb mentioned his willingness to return for subsequent month’s Grand Slam at Melbourne Park exhibits the depth of feeling he has for the nation.
Djokovic was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open in January for not being vaccinated towards COVID-19 and acquired a three-year journey ban for the nation.
Nevertheless, the previous world primary’s visa ban was waived in November, opening up a path for Djokovic to focus on a tenth Australian Open crown and giving him an opportunity to tie Rafa Nadal’s mark of twenty-two Grand Slam titles.
“You may’t neglect these occasions, it’s a type of issues that keep on with you,” mentioned Djokovic in his first information convention since returning to Australia.
“It stays with you for the remainder of your life. It’s one thing I’ve by no means skilled earlier than and hopefully by no means once more, however it’s a helpful life expertise for me.
“However I’ve to maneuver on and coming again to Australia speaks about how I really feel about this nation and the way I really feel about enjoying right here.”
Djokovic will heat up for the Australian Open by enjoying within the Adelaide Worldwide beginning on Jan. 1 and he’s hoping for a heat reception from native followers.
“It’s a terrific place and the individuals in Adelaide, and usually in Australia, love tennis, love sports activities and it’s a sporting nation so hopefully we’re going to have lots of people watching and we will have an excellent time,” Djokovic mentioned.
“I’m hoping all the things goes to be optimistic. Clearly, it’s not one thing that I can predict. I’ll do my finest to play some good tennis and convey good feelings and good emotions to the group.”
Djokovic mentioned his total expertise in Australia had not been soured by what occurred in January.
“What occurred 12 months in the past was not simple to digest for a while however on the identical time I needed to transfer on. These circumstances won’t substitute what I’ve lived in Melbourne and in Australia all through my complete profession,” Djokovic mentioned.
“So I include optimistic feelings and I actually look ahead to enjoying there. It’s been my favorite Grand Slam, the outcomes show that.”
