OZSOME Djok gets shot at title Down Under
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has revealed his relief he will be allowed to return to the Australian Open after his visa ban was officially overturned.
And the Wimbledon champion said lots of good news yester- day inspired his superb display against Andrey Rublev to reach the semi-finals of the Nitto ATP Finals.
The Serbian star, who refused a Covid-19 vaccination, was detained in Melbourne in January after entering on an invalid exemption.
After winning an initial court case, Australian immigration minister Alex Hawke used his special powers to deport the then world No.1 and branded him the “talisman of a community of anti-vaccination sentiment.”
Deportation usually sees an automatic three-year visa ban but a change in federal government has seen a change of heart.
The Serbian, 35, also missed the US Open and four Masters events this year because he remains unvaccinated.
But with Australia removing the requirement for overseas visitors to be jabbed, Djokovic will get the chance to win his 10th Australian Open title – and equal Rafa Nadal’s record of 22 Grand Slams. Speaking after beating Rublev 6-4 6-1 in only 68 minutes in Turin, the world No.8 said: “Of course, I was very happy to receive the news.
“It was a relief obviously knowing what I and people closest to me in my life have been through this year with what happened in Australia. I could not receive better news.
“Did it affect my game today? I would like to believe it did. I played very, very well.
“Knowing that I have clarity now, what I do in the off-season, starting the season in Australia, also of course did relieve some of the pressure. The Australian Open has been my most successful Grand Slam.
“I 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.”
Djokovic, seeking to equal Roger Federer’s record of six year-end titles, was also happy that his former coach Boris Becker is set to be released from prison and return to Germany before Christmas.
“That’s very good news,” he added. “I’m really glad for Boris.”