Novak Djokovic has launched a staunch defence of his visa utility earlier than final 12 months’s Australian Open, insisting he did all the things proper and “just followed all the rules” earlier than his dramatic deportation from the nation.
But as he approaches his return to Melbourne Park, Djokovic has admitted a contact of uncertainty over not simply his present health but in addition the prospect of the reception he’ll obtain from the crowds on his return.
In an interview with Channel Nine’s Todd Woodbridge, Djokovic reignited questions on his therapy within the deportation saga earlier than the 2022 occasion, saying: “Two or three more people that came into Australia 10 days before I did with exactly the same exemption that I had.
“I used to be simply following the principles. My exemption was verified by an unbiased physique and panel of medical doctors.”
Craig Tiley came under fire as CEO of Tennis Australia and tournament director, being grilled about his handling of the Djokovic situation amid accusations the nine-time champ had been misinformed about the criteria he needed to fulfil to enter the country as an unvaccinated visitor.
“I got here in with all of the legitimate papers. Everything received out of hand after which I used to be labelled this or that,” stated Djokovic.
“All of a sudden, I turned the villain of the world which was clearly a horrible place to be in as an athlete and somebody who’s seeking to thrive in his personal path of life and career.”
Djokovic, who won his 92nd tournament at the Adelaide International, reiterated the reception he’d received in South Australia had been fantastic but added: “I do not know [about Melbourne], however I hope optimistic. I actually hope the gang can be receiving me properly.
“That’s something that I can’t predict, I don’t know. It’s in their hands I guess.
“I’ll try to do my greatest to carry out properly, to have the connection and behave as I all the time have and attempt to be ambassador of the game, and hopefully that may be recognised in a great way.”
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old has suffered another scare with the hamstring injury that first flared up in Adelaide and resurfaced after the nine-time champion required treatment throughout Wednesday’s exhibition practice match against Daniil Medvedev at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.
Djokovic called it a day after Medvedev claimed the first set 6-4 in 36 minutes, but made it sound as if it was merely precautionary.
“It’s a hamstring that I had issues with in Adelaide truly final week,” Djokovic stated.
“I simply felt it a bit, pulling, and I did not wish to danger something worse. So I performed a set after which apologised to him (Medvedev), he was understanding, and so I simply wish to keep away from any sort of larger scares earlier than Australian Open.”
