Novak Djokovic Receives A Good Welcome Back To Australia After Chaotic Experience

Serbian tennis icon, Novak Djokovic is feeling at home again in Australia after a chaotic experience in the country over 12 months ago.

Recall that when Novak Djokovic came to Australia in January of last year for the 2022 Australia Open, Covid-19 cases were rapidly increasing. Due to that, government regulations demanded that everyone entering the country be immunized unless they had a legitimate medical exemption.

Then, Djokovic claimed he had a medical exemption to defend his title without being vaccinated because he had recently recovered from Covid.

His visa was revoked and he was automatically barred from visiting Australia until 2025 after the government decided he did not meet the admission standards.

The visa prohibition was lifted in November 2022 by Immigration Minister Andrew Giles, whose government took office in May.

When the Tennis star arrived in Australia for the 2023 edition of the tournament, he received a positive welcome back to the country as he made a rare doubles appearance at Adelaide International.

On his return to the country, Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar defeated him and Canadian Vasek Pospisil 4-6 6-3 10-5.

The crowd cheered and chanted “Novak, Novak” when the 21-time Grand Slam champion entered the court and all through the exhibition game.

After the loss, the 35-year-old, who is presently ranked fifth in the world, stayed behind to meet with fans and sign autographs.

As part of his preparation for the 2023 Australian Open, the first major of the year, which begins on January 16, Novak Djokovic is the top seed in the singles event in Adelaide and will play Frenchman Constant Lestienne in the first round on Tuesday.