Novak Djokovic hears positive signals from Australia
Novak Djokovic can apparently have legitimate hopes of participating in the Australian Open 2023.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: Oct 25, 2022, 07:24 pm
Can Novak Djokovic start at the Australian Open next year? There is still no final answer to this question, but a decision could soon be made in this case. The 21-time Grand Slam champion announced this himself in an interview with "Sportal" .
Accordingly, Djokovic hopes to get an answer in the "next few weeks": "So that I have enough time to prepare for the start of the season if it takes place in Australia." And there are obviously reasons for the long-standing world number one to speculate with a participation in Melbourne.
Djokovic has been banned from entering the country for three years
"As far as Australia is concerned, there are some positive signals - but unofficially," said Djokovic. "We communicate through my lawyers in Australia. They are even in contact with the authorities responsible for my case." The Serb was expelled from the country earlier this year after a legal battle and given a three-year travel ban from Australia. According to the Australian Border Protection Agency, this can be lifted under certain circumstances.
"I'm over what happened this year and I just want to play tennis. It's what I do best. Australia has always been where I've played my best tennis. The results speak for themselves yourself, so I'm always particularly motivated to fly there," explained the nine-time Australian Open winner. "I am hoping for a positive answer."
Djokovic speaks of a "peculiar" year
In addition to the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne, Djokovic also missed the US Open this season, which is why the 35-year-old fell back to seventh in the world rankings. "It was a very interesting year, strange," said the Serb. "I always try to find something positive out of every experience, it's part of my character and my approach to life."
According to Djokovic, his love for tennis is still unbroken. "The young players are coming, they are hungry for success. That gives me additional motivation," said this year's Wimbledon champion, who will serve in Paris-Bercy and at the ATP Finals in Turin at the end of the current season.