Google News "The Australians made a mistake with Novak Djokovic," said Rita Panahi
by LORENZO CIOTTI | VIEW 6638
Novak Djokovic arrived early in Adelaide and was very well received by the fans. Sky Sports presenter Rita Panahi talked about Nole's come back to Australia. She said: "It was absurd and illogical that many Australians, instead of blaming the government for excessive restrictions on them, had directed their anger at Novak earlier this year." In an interview with Channel 9, Adelaide tournament director Alistair MacDonald commented on Djokovic's return to Australia: "I met Novak Djokovic just today and he seemed in great shape.
He's already arrived in Adelaide and is warming up the engines. Fans can't wait to watch him play, he's looking great and his team are excited to be here. He knows the city quite well and knows what to expect as conditions are very similar to the Australians Open.
Adelaide's ATP is an important tournament for him ahead of the AOs, in fact he's preparing meticulously. We make sure he gets everything he needs."
Djokovic came back to Australia
Djokovic returned to Australia twelve months after the absurd soap opera that led to his expulsion from the country.
The Serbian phenomenon had not been able to participate in the Australian Open 2022 due to his vaccination status, which had resulted in a hubbub that had gone around the world. The former ATP number 1 had been forced to leave Australia and had suffered serious damage to his image.
For the same reason, the 35-year-old from Belgrade had also had to give up the US Open and all the American Masters 1000. The 21-time Grand Slam champion will start his 2023 by playing the ATP 250 in Adelaide, and then go hunting for his tenth seal at the AOs.
If he were to arrive in double figures at Melbourne Park, Nole would hook his eternal rival Rafael Nadal at 22 Grand Slams. Nole managed to close 2022 in the Top 5 thanks to successes at Wimbledon and the ATP Finals in Turin. Goran Ivanisevic's protégé aims to return to the top in 2023.
