MELBOURNE DECEMBER 7 (US): Novak Djokovic begins his return to Australia at the Adelaide International Stadium in January, nearly a year after he was deported from the country due to not receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
Reuters reported that the world number five, whose visa ban was lifted last month, was mentioned in the draw for the tournament, which was held from January 1 to 8.
Djokovic is among four top-10 players preparing for the Australian Open at Memorial Drive Tennis Club in Adelaide, and also plays world number six Felix Auger-Aliassime, world number seven Daniil Medvedev and world number eight Andrey Rublev.
The 35-year-old Serbian won the ATP Finals that ended last season and will be favored to win his 10th Australian Open title, which will tie him with Rafa Nadal on 22 Grand Slam titles.
Djokovic was unable to defend the Australian Open in January after his visa was canceled upon arrival at Melbourne airport and then deported on the eve of the tournament.
Spaniard Nadal won the Australian Open title for the second time in the absence of Djokovic.
SM