Reuters
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Novak Djokovic will never forget what it felt like to be deported from Australia earlier this year, but the Serb said his willingness to return for the Grand Slam at Melbourne Park next month shows how much he feels for the country.
Djokovic was expelled on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open in January for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and given a three-year travel ban from the country.
However, the former world number one’s visa ban was lifted in November, paving the way for Djokovic to target a 10th Australian Open crown and giving him the chance to match Rafa Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slam titles.
“You can’t forget those events, it’s one of those things that stays with you,” Djokovic said at his first press conference since returning to Australia.
“It stays with you for the rest of your life. It’s something I’ve never experienced before and hopefully never again, but it’s a valuable life experience for me.
“But I have to move on and come back to Australia says something about how I feel about this country and how I feel playing here.”
Djokovic will be warming up for the Australian Open by playing at the Adelaide International from January 1 and is hoping for a warm reception from local fans.
“It’s a great place and the people of Adelaide, and Australia in general, love tennis, love sports and it’s a country of sports, so hopefully there will be a lot of people watching and we can have a good time,” said Djokovic . .
“I hope everything will be positive. Obviously it’s not something I can predict. I will do my best to play good tennis and bring good emotions and good feelings to the audience.”
Djokovic said his overall experience in Australia was not soured by what happened in January.
“What happened 12 months ago was not easy to digest for a long time, but at the same time I had to move on. Those conditions will not replace what I have lived in Melbourne and Australia throughout my career,” said Djokovic.
“So I come with positive emotions and I’m really looking forward to playing there. It has been my favorite Grand Slam, the results prove that.”