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Novak Djokovic (ATP 5) will probably never forget the soap opera about his expulsion from Australia a year ago because he refused a vaccine against the corona virus. The Serbian says he wants to “move forward” now that he starts his 2023 season ‘Down Under’.
Martin VanhoofBron: BELGIAN
Djokovic arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday, where he will play his first tournament of the year before attempting his 22nd grand slam title at the Australian Open in Melbourne (January 15-29) to tie Rafael Nadal’s record. It is the Serb’s first visit to Australia since he was deported from the country in January following a lawsuit
‘Djoko’ spoke to the local press on Thursday about this difficult episode for him. “It’s one of those things that stays with you for the rest of your life, I think,” the 35-year-old Serbian admitted on the sidelines of a training session in Adelaide. “Like I said, I’ve never experienced anything like it before and I hope I never have to deal with it again.”
Djokovic then expressed a desire to “move forward”, particularly pointing to the good reception he has received so far. “I’ve only been here for two days but everyone has been very pleasant and extremely nice to me. I have always felt very good in Australia. I have always played my best tennis and felt a lot of support here, so I hope I have a great time again.”