The 35-year-old Serb says he felt like ‘the villain of the world’ when he was deported from Australia because of his anti-vaccination stance. But he says the time off the circuit renewed his determination, and he is back in the country to win.
Novak Djokovic said his controversial deportation ahead of last year’s Australian Open proved an unlikely catalyst for success in 2022, allowing him to regroup on the practice court before bouncing back with key titles.
Back at Melbourne Park after his visa ban was lifted by the Australian government, Djokovic said missing events due to his vaccination stance had renewed his determination on the training court. Djokovic, who will bid for a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown, said he had no choice but to move on from the events of last year.
“That’s why I keep on playing professional tennis, competition tennis, because I want to be the best, I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world,” said Djokovic, who opens his tournament against unseeded Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Froome in spotlight as Australia's biggest cycling event returnsChris Froome headlines a stellar cast at the Tour Down Under when road cycling's World Tour season launches in Adelaide next week.
Read more »
What a 3-bedroom house looks like in South Africa vs the UK, Netherlands and AustraliaWith emigration top of mind for some, here’s what a small family property could look like across South Africa.
Read more »
Froome in spotlight as Australia's biggest cycling event returnsChris Froome headlines a stellar cast at the Tour Down Under when road cycling's World Tour season launches in Adelaide next week. ECRSport
Read more »
BREAKING: Man Utd sign World Cup star | KickOffBREAKING! Manchester United have now officially announced their second signing of the January transfer window, having landed the services of a 2022 FIFA World Cup star. Read more ▶️
Read more »
Siwela to use World Cup earnings to start farmingRenowned SA assistant referee Zakhele Siwela wants to use the money he made at the Fifa World Cup in Qatar last year to fund a new farming business.
Read more »