Novalk Djokovic on Wednesday expressed his pleasure at heading back to the Australian Open after being banned last January, with the Serb confirming the news after a win in Turin at the ATP Finals.
The former world No. 1 who was tossed out of Oz due 11 months ago after trying to enter without any COVID jabs, said the normal three-year ban for deportees had been lifted for him.
“I was very happy to receive the news yesterday,” he said after hammering Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-1 in the end-of-season showpiece event.
“It was a relief obviously. . I could not receive better news for sure.
“Knowing that I have clarity now, (I know) what to do in the off-season, starting the season in Australia. It also relieves some of the pressure me and my team felt.”
Djokovic added of the almost unheard-of gesture from the Australian government which is already producing local backlash after the immigration minister made the call:
“The Australian Open has been my most successful Grand Slam (nine titles). I’ve made some of the best memories there.
“Of course, I want to go back there, I want to play tennis, do what I do best, hopefully have a great Australian summer.”
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