Djokovic Australia Crowd: Adelaide International: Former world no 1 Novak Djokovic recieved a hero’s welcome in Australia 1 year after the deportation fiasco. The crowd at Adelaide International cheered the 21-time Grand Slam winner as he took the court for his doubles match with Vasek Pospisil. Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open title last year after facing deportation for not getting vaccinated. He was even banned from the country for three years. Follow Adelaide International 2023 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
Novak Djokovic receives a huge cheer from the Adelaide crowd
The Serbian was greeted by “Novak, Novak” chants by fans at the Adelaide International as he entered the court to play his doubles match. However, Djokovic made a losing start to his 2023 season as he and Pospisil went down to Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar 4-6, 6-3, 10-5. The 21-time Grand Slam champion was seen in full enthusiasm celebrating his winners with Pospisil.
Novak Djokovic Australia Crowd: Djokovic receives HERO’s Welcome in Australia 1 year after deportation fiasco, crowd cheers 21-time Grand Slam winner during practice – Watch video
The crowd who had come to watch the Serbian were backing him throughout the match. Following his exit from doubles, Djokovic will now turn his attention towards the singles campaign. The Serbian will begin his preparation for the Australian Open 2023 on Tuesday when he faces Constant Lestienn.
Things you love to see 😍@DjokerNole on a tennis court 👋 pic.twitter.com/qukEwfGsu4
— ATP Tour (@atptour) January 2, 2023
Novak Djokovic Australia Crowd: Djokovic receives HERO’s Welcome in Australia 1 year after deportation fiasco, crowd cheers 21-time Grand Slam winner during practice – Watch video
The 35-year-old will be looking for a record-extending 10th title. Despite the loss, Djokovic stayed back and thanked fans. The former Australian Open champion stayed back on the court to sign autographs for his fans. He even interacted with them at the end of the hard-fought contest.
Following his loss in doubles, #Djokovic took his time with the fans. pic.twitter.com/lIetlHpMr1
— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) January 2, 2023
Why was Novak Djokovic’s deported from Australia last year
Last January, Djokovic was detained for entering Australia without vaccine during pandemic dominated the headlines. Djokovic, who was detained by the Australian Border Force on entering the country but the Serbian claimed he had obtained a medical exemption. Following the 10 days of legal drama, the government ruled against the defending champion.
Australian Open 2023: Kyrgios and Kokkinakis to defend Australian Open doubles crown
Not only was Djokovic’s visa cancelled but he was also banned from entering Australia until 2025. However in May Immigration Minister Andrew Giles – whose government came to power overturned the visa ban in November for Serbian to participate in this years edition
Novak Djokovic Australia Crowd: Djokovic receives HERO’s Welcome in Australia 1 year after deportation fiasco, crowd cheers 21-time Grand Slam winner during practice – Watch video