Novak Djokovic wins the Australian Open.Photo: James D. Morgan/Getty Images
Novak Djokovicis celebrating his “biggest victory.”
“This has been one of the more challenging tournaments I’ve ever played in my life, considering the circumstances,” he said in apost-game press conferencein reference to having missed the 2022 Australian Open because of the country’s strict regulations withCOVID-19and a last-minutevisa cancellationover his unvaccinated status.
“Only the teams and family know what we’ve been through these last four to five weeks and this is the biggest victory of my life considering those circumstances,” he continued.
Will Murray/Getty Images
Djokovic’s emotional journey started in January 2022 due toissues with his visa application, despite having earlier received a COVID medical exemption to participate in the Australian Open.
In a statement, Djokovic voiced his disappointment on the issue, but ultimatelyrespected the rulingmade on his behalf.
“I am extremely disappointed with the Court ruling to dismiss my application for judicial review of the Minister’s decision to cancel my visa, which means I cannot stay in Australia and participate in the Australian Open,“Djokovic said in the statement, per ESPN. “I respect the Court’s ruling and I will cooperate with the relevant authorities in relation to my departure from the country.”
Novak Djokovic wins the Australian Open.Andy Cheung/Getty Images
During a press conference in December, Craig Tiley, the Australian Open’s tournament director, reportedly had nothing but positive words to sayabout the athlete’s returnfollowing the country’s decision to lift its vaccination restrictions.
“Novak is welcome in Australia,” Tiley said of the tennis legend. “I think as we speak he has landed in Adelaide and he’s going to be the player to beat again.”
“And I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react like we hope they would react and have respect for that,” he noted.
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Djokovic’s win on Sunday has lifted him back to the top of the men’s world rankings. He also now shares the men’s record for Grand Slam wins withRafael Nadal.
“I want to thank all the people who made me feel comfortable,” Djokovic said Sunday. “There is a reason I have been playing my best tennis here.”
source: people.com
