Djokovic warmly received on return to Australia

Any fears that Novak Djokovic had about a hostile reception on his return to Australia were quickly allayed when he walked out to cheers and chants of his name before his first match at the Adelaide International.

The Serb’s first-round match in the doubles with Canada’s Vasek Pospisil ended in a 4-6, 6-3, 10-5 defeat by Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar on Monday, but the overwhelming feeling will still be one of relief after the positive reception from a capacity crowd of about 1,000 on Show Court 1, the second stadium at the Memorial Drive Tennis Centre.

Djokovic’s introduction by the master of ceremonies was followed by a loud ovation from the vast majority of the spectators, many of whom had Serbian flags. Chants of “Novak, Novak” were heard as he walked on to court. Afterwards he stayed behind for several minutes to sign autographs and pose for photographs with fans.

It is almost a year to the day since Djokovic was stopped at passport control in Melbourne upon his arrival before the 2022 Australian Open. A ten-day legal saga then ensued and he was eventually deported from the country after it was deemed that his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid-19 warranted a cancellation of his visa on “health and good order” grounds, at a time when there were strict health protocols in Australia.

Djokovic’s deportation automatically resulted in a three-year ban from entering Australia, but this was cancelled in November after the new Labor Party government decided it should no longer apply because of the removal of the requirement for incoming travellers to be vaccinated. The 35-year-old arrived in Adelaide last week and spoke before the match of his wish for a positive atmosphere.

 “I’ll do my best to play good tennis, bring good emotions and good feelings to the crowd,” Djokovic said. “This is what we do as professional athletes. We’re also entertainers in a way. We try to make people who buy their tickets feel good and have fun, really go back home and have some good memories. Hopefully that’s going to happen with me and my matches.”

Djokovic is due to play in the singles against France’s Constant Lestienne on Tuesday. After this week he will travel to Melbourne to commence his preparations on site for a bid at a tenth Australian Open title.

“Melbourne is close to my heart,” Djokovic said. “What happened 12 months ago is not easy to digest for me also for some time. At the same time I had to move on. That event or those circumstances will not replace what I have lived in Melbourne and in Australia throughout my entire career.

“I come in with positive emotions and I really look forward [to] playing there. It’s been my favourite slam and results are proving that.”