Australian Open title can be balm for Djokovic after deportation saga | The Daily Star
Skip to main content
T
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
The Daily Star
E-paper Today's News বাংলা
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Culture
  • Life & Living
  • Youth
  • Tech & Startup
  • Feature
    • Lifestyle
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Showbiz
    • Star Health
    • Satireday
    • Shout
    • Toggle
    • Star Literature
    • In Focus
    • Star Youth
    • Shift
    • Daily Star Books
    • Roundtables
    • Star Holiday
    • weekend read
  • More
    • Environment
    • NRB
    • Supplements
    • Law & Our Rights
  • E-paper
  • বাংলা
Search Epaper T
  • Today's News
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Business
  • Entertainment
  • Culture
  • Life & Living
  • Youth
  • Tech & Startup
  • Feature
    • Lifestyle
    • Arts & Entertainment
    • Showbiz
    • Star Health
    • Satireday
    • Shout
    • Toggle
    • Star Literature
    • In Focus
    • Star Youth
    • Shift
    • Daily Star Books
    • Roundtables
    • Star Holiday
    • weekend read
  • More
    • Environment
    • NRB
    • Supplements
    • Law & Our Rights

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Apps
  • Comment Policy
  • RSS
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Conference Hall
  • Archives
Tennis

Australian Open title can be balm for Djokovic after deportation saga

Reuters, Melbourne
Thu Jan 12, 2023 05:20 PM Last update on: Thu Jan 12, 2023 05:39 PM
Photo: Reuters

Novak Djokovic may never forget his deportation from Australia over his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID, but the Serb will hope a record-extending 10th major in Melbourne provides closure to his storied career's most controversial chapter.

The 21-time Grand Slam winner will take on Spanish Roberto Carballes Baena in the first round to get his title bid underway. 

For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.

The vaccine sceptic former world number one found himself in a political inferno last year after he said he had received an exemption to play in the Australian Open, as angry citizens who endured some of the world's toughest COVID lockdowns lashed out.

After being held in a hotel with asylum seekers following his arrival, Djokovic was eventually denied the chance to defend his title when a federal court dismissed his appeal to stay in the country which resulted in an automatic three-year visa ban.

But with the removal of COVID-related border restrictions in Australia, including a requirement to provide vaccination proof to enter the country, Djokovic's ban was waived in November to clear the way for his return.

However, the 35-year-old said this week that the bitter saga had taken its toll. 

"I was really drawn into a storm in media worldwide that was related to anything to do with COVID and the vaccine," Djokovic told Channel Nine. "All of a sudden I became the villain of the world which is a terrible position to be in as an athlete.

"There wasn't a great narrative in the media about me at all. I stayed for several weeks at home, didn't really go around too much. I just hoped the situation would calm down, which it did, but the traces stayed there.

"I didn't know it was going to affect my game and the way I play. It wasn't easy... mentally to regroup and restart again.

"In every press conference I was asked at least one or two questions about Australia and what happened. Even if I wanted to move on, people were reminding me of that."

Djokovic missed prestigious hardcourt events in the United States last year, including the U.S. Open, over his refusal to take the vaccine but won the Wimbledon crown to take his Grand Slam tally to 21 titles - one behind his rival Rafa Nadal.

Ahead of Djokovic's return to action at Melbourne Park, where he will look to draw level with Nadal, the world number five was warmly received by supporters in Adelaide last week as he won the title in his first tournament back in Australia.

While a similar reaction from Melbourne fans would not be beyond the realm of possibility, Australian Open organisers are not taking any chances with potential tournament bans in store for any fans who target Djokovic during matches.

But Djokovic said he hoped to win them over.

"The reception was fantastic (in Adelaide). I had an amazing tournament, tremendous support - a packed house every match," Djokovic said.

"I don't know (about Melbourne), but I hope (it will be) positive. I hope the crowd will be receiving me well. That's something I can't predict, I don't know.

Related topic:
Tennisaustralia openNovak Djokoviccovid 19vaccinecovid 19 vaccineDjokovic deportedCovid lockdown
Apple Google
Click to comment

Comments

Comments Policy

Related News

Never had COVID? Curious Case of NOVIDS

Never had COVID? Curious Case of NOVIDS

Alcaraz and Medvedev set up Indian Wells final showdown

1w ago

Djokovic, Jabeur on committee of controversial tennis players body

Djokovic hopes for positive news on US tournaments participation

৪৩ মিনিট আগে|দুর্ঘটনা ও অগ্নিকাণ্ড

সৌদিতে বাস দুর্ঘটনা: ৮ বাংলাদেশি নিহত, পরিচয় শনাক্ত

রিয়াদে বাংলাদেশ দূতাবাসের প্রথম সচিব মোহাম্মদ ফখরুল ইসলাম (প্রেস) এ তথ্য নিশ্চিত করেছেন।

৩ ঘণ্টা আগে|ক্যাম্পাস

প্রক্টরের কি লিখিত অভিযোগ পাওয়ার পর তদন্ত করে ব্যবস্থা নেওয়ার কথা

The Daily Star
Journalism without fear or favour
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Apps
  • Comment Policy
  • RSS
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Conference Hall
  • Archives
© 2023 thedailystar.net | Powered by: RSI LAB
Copyright: Any unauthorized use or reproduction of The Daily Star content for commercial purposes is strictly prohibited and constitutes copyright infringement liable to legal action.
X