The Serbian, a nine-time tournament winner, returns next week to Melbourne, a city that has endured one of the world's longest lockdowns during the pandemic.
The attitude of Djokovic, who arrived unvaccinated in Australia in early 2022 and was deported after a few days in solitary confinement, had divided local opinion.
A year later, the Serb was this time allowed to return to the country to play the first Grand Slam tournament of 2023. And the director of the Australian Open, Craig Tiley, warned spectators who intend to take on the current world No.
"What I've always loved about Melbourne is that the public really appreciates the sport and the performance, more than anywhere in Australia in my opinion," he added, however.
"And I hope people will take that into account."
The Australian Open kicks off on Monday, but Djokovic will play in Melbourne on Friday at the sold-out Rod Laver Arena in an exhibition match against Australian Nick Kyrgios.
Last week, for his return to an Australian court, the 35-year-old was very warmly welcomed by the public at the Adelaide tournament, which he won.
© 2023 AFP