Djok eyes Oz return
NO GRUDGES OVER VACCINE BAN
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has insisted he holds “no grudges” and has promised to play in the Australian Open next year if he is allowed.
The world No.1 said he hoped the publicity surrounding his deportation helped the recent release of the final immigrants from the detention hotel where he was held.
The Serbian received a three-year ban after his visa was cancelled because of his stance against Covid vaccinations.
But there is now a new administration in Canberra after Prime Minister
Scott Morrison lost the recent election.
Speaking after reaching the fourth round of the French Open, the nine-time Australian Open champion said: “I don’t know whether my visa is going to be reinstated or whether I’m going to be allowed to come back to Australia.
“I don’t hold any grudges. If I have an opportunity to go back to Australia I would love to. Let’s see how it goes.”
The final eight immigrants from the Park Hotel in Melbourne were released last month and were given temporary visas to stay Down Under.
“If I brought some light to that situation in a positive way, then of course I’m very happy,” he said.
Djokovic said he has contacted one of former coach Boris Becker’s sons to offer help since the German tennis legend (below) was sent to prison for fraud. “I have been in touch with Noah and asked if there is anything that I can do to help,” he said.
The Serb remains on course for a blockbuster quarter-final with Rafa Nadal on Tuesday. The two superstars were watched by big names from football and cinema yesterday, with the Champions League final and the Cannes Festival also on this week.
Arsene Wenger, Clarence Seedorf and Claude Puel watched Djokovic while Zinedine Zidane, Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson saw Nadal.
And after destroying Aljaz Bedene 6-3 6-3 6-2, Djokovic said: “I saw Arsene. I had even more motivation to perform well.”
Real Madrid fan Nadal, who beat Dutchman Botic Van De Zandschulp 6-3 6-2 6-4, plans to go to the final tonight. “I didn’t see Zidane but I heard fans calling his name,” he said.
Nadal will tomorrow face Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who is now coached by the Spaniard’s uncle Toni.