Tennis: in Melbourne, fallen king Novak Djokovic wants to win back his crown

A year after being expelled from the country at the end of a politico-sanitary imbroglio, the Serbian is back to the Australian Open, where he will try to win a 10th coronation.

by Elisabeth Pineau (Melbourne, Special Envoy)

Between Novak Djokovic and Melbourne, “The love story”, to use the expression of the Serbian During the 2021 edition, had seriously shot vinegar in January 2022 . Nonvacinated against the COVID-19, the non-supplier of the Australian Open had been deprived of its favorite tournament. The images of the world number one – then – stopped at customs, placed in detention in a shabby hotel for several days, then finally stained like a pariah out of the country after seeing its fate sealed by the Australian Federal Court, had fueled a soap opera planetary.

Twelve months later, the former boss of the circuit did not change his mind on vaccination, but this time he was authorized to enter the country to play the first Grand Slam tournament of the season there (from January 16 to 29). The prohibition of territory for three years which accompanied the cancellation of its visa? Raised, as “the public interest”.

The organizers have made the big gap in twelve months in terms of health protocol, now relaxed as much as possible: players and players are allowed to play even if they were to be tested positive for COVVI-19, said The boss of the Australian Open. “As for the cricket [an Australian international was able to play a test-match against South Africa in early January despite a positive test], there could be players who play with the covid,” said Craig Tiley on the sidelines of Tournament.

A year ago, the attitude of Djokovic had divided local opinion and crumpled a large part of the inhabitants of Melbourne who remained more than 260 days locked up at home at the start of the pandemic by undergoing six confinements. This year, near the Rod Laver Arena – the central court of Melbourne Park -, the opinions converge almost all about the rehabilitation of the former banished.

“People will have” forgiven “him “

“The health situation has changed, politicians have softened, so it seems to me a just decision. Just as that of last year was also,” summarizes Rowan Kent, 41, who came from Geelong, the Second most populous city in the State of Victoria. “Last year, even if the tournament tried to get around them, the rules were clear for everyone: he was not vaccinated, he could not play, does not finalize his wife, Sylvia. But I appreciated the way he managed “after”. He assumed by recognizing his wrongs and this year, he returns with a smile. I am sure that the public will give him a good welcome. Here in Melbourne, we celebrate before All the sportiness. “

/Media reports cited above.