Tennis: Djokovic hopes for warm welcome on Australian Open return

DUBAI - Novak Djokovic is hoping he will receive a warm welcome from the fans when he returns to the Australian Open in January, now that the drama surrounding his vaccination status and deportation is officially behind him.

A nine-time champion at Melbourne Park, the Serb was unable to compete in the opening Grand Slam of the season in 2022 after he was deported from Australia over fears he would incite anti-vaccination sentiment.

As a result, he was banned from entering Australia again but that decision has been reversed and he is pleased he will get the chance to vie for a men’s record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam overall.

“I always ask the best from myself so let’s see. Over the years I’ve been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there,” Djokovic said at the World Tennis League in Dubai on Friday.

“After obviously what happened earlier this year, hopefully I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis.”

The 35-year-old was unable to compete in two of the four Grand Slams this year, with his vaccination stance ruling him out of the US Open.

However, he finished his campaign with a bang, winning titles in Tel Aviv, Astana and the ATP Finals in Turin, as well as reaching the final of the Paris Masters.

He also picked up trophies in Rome and Wimbledon and tallied up a 42-7 win-loss record for the season.

Djokovic had mentioned in the past he would like to play into his 40s.

Asked if he still felt that way, he said: “I would like to play as long as I possibly can. Things are progressing so far pretty well for me. I can’t complain.

“So as long as I play at this level and have the fire, I’ll keep going.”

Djokovic’s great rival Rafael Nadal is aiming to retain his Australian Open title after an injury-plagued 2022.

The 36-year-old Spaniard has been training in the last few days after a Latin American exhibition tour alongside Norwegian third-ranked Casper Ruud.

“I did a bit of physical training... I’m aware that I’m a little bit short, but I’m confident that I’ll be able to pick up the level I need to be competitive in Australia,” he said.

Nadal, who holds the record of 22 Grand Slam titles, announced last week the addition of Argentinian Gustavo Marcaccio to his staff, an unexpected but necessary move after the departure of veteran coach Francis Roig after 18 years.

Meanwhile, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek was happy to see herself land in the fifth spot on Forbes’ annual list of the world’s highest-paid female athletes.

However, the 21-year-old Pole admits she hopes to expand her endorsement portfolio so her earnings are not just dependent on her performances on court.

According to Forbes, Swiatek has made US$14.9 million (S$20.1 million) over the past year, US$9.9 million of which came from tournament prize money.

Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams are the top two athletes on the list, with the former reportedly earning US$51.1 million and the latter making US$41.3 million.

“It’s not my motivation. The most fun I have on court is when I actually don’t think about things like that,” assured Swiatek, who won eight titles in 2022, including two Grand Slams.

“I’m pretty happy that my life changed so much that I can compete at the highest level and earn so much money from it because this is also something that is really helping us appreciate the sport we have.”

AFP, REUTERS