Novak Djokovic is all set to take part in the Australian Open in 2023, a year after he was deported for not taking the COVID vaccine, according to the country’s tennis boss, as per AFP.
Djokovic was banned from Australia for 3 years after losing a legal battle.
Australia has now removed the need for visitors to show proof of vaccination.
The government confirmed in November that he was no longer banned and was allowed a visa to play in the Australian Open.
AFP
Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley was confident fans would welcome him back.
“We welcome him back to Australia,” he said while speaking to reporters.
“I think as we speak he’s landing in Adelaide and I think that he is going to be again the player to beat. I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public. I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react how we hope they will react,” he added.
AFP
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal plans to defend his Australian Open title after 2022 saw him plagued with injury, as per Reuters.
“I arrived on the 3rd of December. I spent almost a week doing nothing, which was the right thing to do,” Nadal told Spanish newspaper As.
“I did a bit of physical training, I think I’ll need a few days in Australia. I’m aware that I’m a little bit short, but I’m confident that I’ll be able to pick up the level I need to be competitive in Australia,” he added.
The Australian Open begins on January 16 and concludes on January 29.
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