It's one of those things that sticks with you: Novak Djokovic on Australia 2022 deportation

Sydney [Australia], December 29 (ANI): The 21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic stated he "cannot overlook" the way it felt to be deported from Australia earlier this 12 months however the Serbian star added that his willingness to return for the following month's Australia Open reveals the depth of feeling he has for the nation.

Djokovic was deported from Australia on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open in January for not being vaccinated for Covid-19 and was given a three-year journey ban.

Nevertheless, the previous world No. 1's visa ban was lifted in November, permitting Djokovic to compete for a tenth Australian Open title and tying Rafa Nadal's report of twenty-two Grand Slam titles.

"You may't overlook these occasions, it is a kind of issues that stick to you. It stays with you for the remainder of your life. It is one thing I've by no means skilled earlier than and hopefully by no means once more, however it's a helpful life expertise for me. However I've to maneuver on and coming again to Australia speaks about how I really feel about this nation and the way I really feel about taking part in right here," stated Djokovic in his first information convention since returning to Australia as quoted by Skysports.com.

Djokovic will put together for the Australian Open by competing within the Adelaide Worldwide, which begins on January 1, and he's hoping for a heat welcome from native followers.

"It is an amazing place and the folks in Adelaide, and customarily in Australia, love tennis, love sports activities and it is a sporting nation so hopefully we'll have lots of people watching and we will have an excellent time," Djokovic stated.

"I am hoping all the pieces goes to be constructive. Clearly, it isn't one thing that I can predict. I will do my greatest to play some good tennis and produce good feelings and good emotions to the gang," he additional added.

Djokovic acknowledged that what occurred in January had not harmed his general expertise in Australia.

"What occurred 12 months in the past was not straightforward to digest for a while however on the identical time I needed to transfer on. These circumstances is not going to change what I've lived in Melbourne and in Australia all through my total profession," Djokovic added. (ANI)