There was a lot of controversy when the former world number one Novak Djokovic was to participate in the Australian Open 2022. Djokovic refused to be vaccinated against covid-19, which meant that he was stopped from traveling to Australia.
The country required proof of vaccination to admit him.
The day before the tennis tournament started, the 35-year-old was deported after being detained.
Something that made Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic see red and call the whole thing a "political witch hunt".
Going to compete next week
But in the 2023 edition, Djokovic is welcome.
And now the Serbs have landed on Australian soil after the controversies.
- I have great faith in the Australian audience.
I think the supporters will react the way we hope they will, says Craig Tiley.
Djokovic is scheduled to play the Adelaide International starting on Sunday, a pre-tournament to the Australian Open.
Chasing tenth Australian Open title
The Australian Open, the year's first grand slam tournament, begins on January 16.
Djokovic has won the tournament nine times.
- After what happened earlier this year, I hope that I will receive a warm welcome.
I hope it can help me play good tennis, he said in connection with a press conference last week in Dubai.