Concerns over what kind of reception Novak Djokovic would get from the Australian public have been eased after the 21-time Grand Slam winner received an almighty welcome during his first match of the 2023 season.
12 months ago the tennis star was involved in a legal battle with Australian authorities over the legitimacy of his visa with the tennis star saying he was told he could enter the country via a medical exception despite not being vaccinated against COVID-19. However, the border force deemed that reason to be invalid. Djokovic went through two court hearings, winning the first regarding how his case was handled but losing the second which sided with the government whose immigration minister decided to deport him.
Originally the Serbian was handed a three-year ban from returning to Australia but that was lifted in November by the newest government in power. Furthermore, those travelling to the country no longer need to show proof of their vaccination against Covid.
There had been fears that Djokovic’s vaccination stance could result in a hostile reception from the tennis star at this week’s Adelaide International which is the first event he is playing in the country since being deported.
However, the world No.5 was greeted with widespread cheers when walking onto the court for his doubles match alongside partner Vasek Pospisil. Chants of ‘Novak’ erupted as fans waved the Serbian flag in support of the tennis star with one sign reading “Like it or not. Greatest of all-time.” Then after winning the first set, somebody in the crowd shouted to Djokovic “Australia loves you.”
Whilst relishing in the support he receives from fans, Djokovic and Pospisil were unable to seal victory as they ended up losing 4-6, 6-3, [10-5], to Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar. After the match, he spent around five minutes signing autographs.
Djokovic’s focus now switches to the singles where he is the top seed and will play France’s Constant Lestienne in the first round on Tuesday. Later this month he will be bidding to win a record 10th Australian Open title which will also tie Rafael Nadal’s record for most major titles won by a male player.
