MELBOURNE, Australia | Novak Djokovic is back in Australia. A year after being deported from the country after his visa was annulled, the Serb says he has no resentment. “If I had any, if I couldn’t get over it, I wouldn’t be here,” said the great champion on Saturday.
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Little review. In January 2022 “Djoko”, unvaccinated against COVID-19, came to Australia with the aim of playing the first major tournament of the season. He claims to have a special visa because then vaccination against the virus is mandatory for entry.
However, his visa was canceled by the government because he was deemed non-compliant. Djokovic has been detained twice, at a center for illegal immigrants in Melbourne.
On the eve of the tournament, where he is aiming for a ninth title, the “Djoker” is finally expelled from the country.
The “Evil Djoker”
In a recent interview with Australian TV channel 9, Djokovic confided that he had struggled to leave home in the weeks following this saga.
The former world No. 1 also accused some media outlets of portraying him as a “bad guy”.
But now the grudge is over. Djokovic was keen to return to Melbourne. It’s unclear if it’s the Melbourne Park terrain, the atmosphere or the sunshine, but Australia are doing so well in fourth place. His nine triumphs are a record. A record he hopes to improve this year.
“All the positive experiences I had in Australia surpass what happened last year,” said a relaxed Djokovic on Saturday.
“I was really looking forward to coming back here and playing tennis because ultimately that’s what I do best. That’s what I’ve always wanted to do and that’s what I wanted to do last year,” he continued.
A little bit nervous
While impatient to reconnect with the tournament – and particularly Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne’s largest stadium – Djokovic admits he’s a bit scared of the reception of the event after last year’s events had public.
His fears were quickly allayed on Friday when he received a warm welcome in the charity show match he played against local favorite Nick Kyrgios.
“I was very emotional when I entered the pitch,” he admitted. [Mais] I am very grateful for the welcome, love and support I have received from the fans. »
The Grand Slams, the ultimate goal
Djokovic doesn’t hide it: he’s in Melbourne looking to win a 10th title while getting his hands on a 22nd major trophy. He would draw level with his biggest rival, Spaniard Rafael Nadal, champion in his absence last year.
Because at almost 36 years (a number he doesn’t like to be reminded of, he laughed at journalists), Grand Slam titles are now his main goal.
“That’s why I keep playing tennis,” said the champion. i want to be the best I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world. And there is nothing bigger than a big tournament. »
His vaccination status prevented him from playing many major tournaments last year. Not just Australia: Djokovic was particularly absent from Indian Wells, Miami, Montreal, Cincinnati and the US Open.
But when he played, the Serb won. He won the ATP Finals, which brings together the top eight players of the season without losing a match. And last week in Adelaide, “Djoko” won the trophy by missing just one round.
“I’m in very good shape,” he said. I completed the last campaign in the best possible way. I believe in my chances. I still believe in my chances. »
Highlight: Djokovic starts his tournament on Tuesday around 5 a.m. in Quebec against Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena, ranked 75th in the world.
After criticizing Djokovic, Kyrgios became his friend
MELBOURNE, Australia | In the early years of his career, Nick Kyrgios, “tennis’ awful kid,” multiplied criticism of Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.
Kyrgios had said of Djokovic in a podcast show in 2019 that he had “a sickly need to be loved”.
“I feel like he wants to be loved so badly and I find it unbearable. I also find his celebrations [quand il envoie des baisers à la foule] unbearable,” added the Australian.
“Important for tennis”
Three years have passed and now Kyrgios ran across the pitch with “Djoko” on Friday to a benefit game in Melbourne.
Tickets cost around US$20 and proceeds were donated to the Australian Tennis Foundation which helps underprivileged children play tennis.
The old rivals not only met each other. Kyrgios also threw flowers at the Serbian fourth favorite in Melbourne.
“It’s important to have him with us,” said the Australian. He’s one of the people in our sport. One of the best [Roger Federer] announced his retirement last year and I don’t think we realize how important they are to the sport of tennis. »
The saga brought them closer together
At a press conference on Saturday, the “Bad Boy” – now a little calmer – revisited the moment that brought the two players closer together.
“During the challenge he faced last year, the COVID-19 storyline, nobody really supported him. It was a moment that transcended tennis where people who care about your well-being will speak up for you, Kyrgios said. And I did. I felt it was necessary. »
“What I did was more important than anything I had said in the past,” he continued. I defended it before my country. It wasn’t easy for me, I got a lot of criticism. But he liked it and we got talking. »
One of the favorites?
Kyrgios, finalist at Wimbledon last year – against Djokovic – quarterfinalist in New York, will start his tournament on Tuesday around 3am in Quebec against Russian Roman Safiullin, 98th in the world.
At 27, the Australian feels like one of the favorites to win a Grand Slam tournament for the first time in his career.
Granted he’s only the 19th seedling in Melbourne, but his results in the second half of 2022 at Grand Slams suggest he could go far.
The picture of Australia’s best player isn’t everywhere around Melbourne Park but Kyrgios says he “feels his country wants him to win”.
“It’s a privilege,” he said. It is a good feeling. »