Manunited18
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Deep down I feel Nadal is glad with Djokovic no show. His constructive criticism at vital points of the fiasco was a clear indication.
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Contact the PP Team
Novak Djokovic returns to Australia to play in the Australian Open
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DeadlyVenom
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Isn't he banned from entering Oz for 3 years now anyway?
Kroll
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He is, but can appeal against it on the basis of national interest.
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Behaviour towards Novak 'scandalous', says family
Djokovic's family have reacted for the first time since the decision to deport him was finalised.
Their statement said: "We are very disappointed with the decision of the Federal Court and the fact that Novak has to leave Australia.
"This was not just about sport, and playing in the first Grand Slam of the season, which Novak has dominated for a decade, but also politics and all the interests that prevailed in this case.
"Despite the scandalous behaviour towards Novak, we believed that sport would win.
"We believed that the fact confirmed by the court would be respected - that Novak has a valid visa, that justice will be served and that no 'public interests' will be an excuse for the decision made.
"What we all need to do, and first of all us as his family, is to give him support now more than ever.
"We will be here to share the blows he received, to help him regain his energy, his faith in this sport, above all in fair play, which was completely absent here.
"We are proud of him and the strength he showed and the fight he led with dignity.
"We believe that he will come out of this situation stronger and that time will show what he has indisputably always confirmed so far, and that is that he is a great champion and a man."
SKY
Djokovic's family have reacted for the first time since the decision to deport him was finalised.
Their statement said: "We are very disappointed with the decision of the Federal Court and the fact that Novak has to leave Australia.
"This was not just about sport, and playing in the first Grand Slam of the season, which Novak has dominated for a decade, but also politics and all the interests that prevailed in this case.
"Despite the scandalous behaviour towards Novak, we believed that sport would win.
"We believed that the fact confirmed by the court would be respected - that Novak has a valid visa, that justice will be served and that no 'public interests' will be an excuse for the decision made.
"What we all need to do, and first of all us as his family, is to give him support now more than ever.
"We will be here to share the blows he received, to help him regain his energy, his faith in this sport, above all in fair play, which was completely absent here.
"We are proud of him and the strength he showed and the fight he led with dignity.
"We believe that he will come out of this situation stronger and that time will show what he has indisputably always confirmed so far, and that is that he is a great champion and a man."
SKY
SpiritOf1903
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The victimisation is galling.
Serbia commited genocide but still act like they're victims.
He was guilty of several mistakes but he was a victim as well. Some of the abuse hurdles in his direct you wouldn't wish upon your worst enemy. So even if you don't like Djokovic, you'd have to agree that he didn't deserve this kind of treatment. Djokovic went to play tennis, he did it the wrong way and shouldn't have gone or done the 2 queen quarantine (if that was an option).
But the worldwide reaction has been like he is the reason Australia are in the mess they are.
As for Serbia and Genocide, what does Djokovic have to do with that?
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Novak Djokovic has never hidden how much he craves ending his career with the most Grand Slam men's titles of all time.
But he has been denied the chance to win a record 21st major at next week's Australian Open after his visa was revoked by the country's government.
The row stopped the 34-year-old Serb having a shot at making more tennis history - but also raises further questions for Djokovic, plus other players who are reluctant to be vaccinated against Covid-19, for the season ahead.
Will other countries stop Djokovic entering if he is not vaccinated? Could it prevent him playing in the other Grand Slam tournaments? For how long?
And what does it mean for the nine-time Australian Open champion's future?
After losing his bid to have his visa cancellation overturned, Djokovic will be denied the opportunity in Australia to become the man with the most Grand Slam titles.
Level with Switzerland's Roger Federer and Spain's Rafael Nadal on 20, the world number one was aiming to move clear of his long-time rivals for the first time by winning his 10th title at Melbourne Park, although it seems extremely unlikely Djokovic will not play another Grand Slam.
Nadal, 35, could move ahead by winning for the first time since his only triumph there in 2009, while 40-year-old Federer is missing with a long-term knee injury.
The issue with Djokovic's entry into Australia also raises questions about whether he will face difficulty entering other countries.
But, as Nadal pointed out, Djokovic would face no such problems if he decided to get the vaccination.
Some governments have made vaccinations mandatory for foreign visitors, with others allowing unvaccinated travellers if they provide negative tests and spend time in isolation on arrival.
Generally throughout his career, Djokovic has taken a few weeks off after the Australian Open before returning for the ATP Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami in March.
Non-US citizens must be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States, according to the US Department of State.
"Foreign national air travellers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the United States, with only limited exceptions," it states.
Limited exceptions include people with "documented medical contraindications to receiving a Covid-19 vaccine" and those whose entry would be in the national interest.
After Miami, the season moves into the European clay-court swing. The first key tournament is in Monte Carlo, where Djokovic resumed his 2021 season after winning the Australian Open two months earlier.
Current rules state unvaccinated people can enter the principality if they have proof of a positive PCR test more than 11 days ago and in the past six months, but must otherwise complete a quarantine period that can be cut short by tests.
After Monte Carlo, there are two more Masters events in Rome and Madrid before the European clay-court season culminates with the French Open in Paris at the end of May.
Unvaccinated travellers can enter Spain, France and Italy in various circumstances, enabled by PCR and antigen tests while, potentially, having to complete quarantine periods.
French president Emmanuel Macron recently said he wanted to make life difficult for unvaccinated people in the country, using a vulgar term to express his sentiments.
While that comment related to rules in French daily life rather than travel restrictions, it was perhaps an insight into what Djokovic might face before the second Grand Slam of the 2022 season.
However, French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu recently said non-residents would not be bound by new legislation making vaccinations mandatory for French sports people.
What about Wimbledon?
Djokovic is the reigning Wimbledon champion after winning his sixth title at the All England Club last year.
With just under six months until this year's tournament, it is too early to say exactly what restrictions - if any - players will face in order to participate.
There will be many more developments in the pandemic which will have subsequent knock-on effects for travelling and major sporting events.
The Australian Open said players would have to be vaccinated to enter - unless they successfully applied for an exemption -- but it is anticipated Wimbledon's entry requirements would be led by relevant government guidance.
Currently, non-vaccinated people can enter England but they must complete 10 days of quarantine. They must also hold a negative pre-departure test and two more PCR tests - on day two and day eight - after arriving.
The test-to-release scheme is still an option to those who want to shorten their isolation period.
Asked if he would allow Djokovic to play at Wimbledon this summer, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "It's important for the Australian authorities to make their own dispositions.
"All I would say about Novak Djokovic is I believe in vaccination and I think it's a wonderful thing to do."
Will Djokovic play in Australia again?
Djokovic has long spoken of his affection for Australia and the self-marketed 'Happy Slam' held there.
Winning a record nine Australian Open men's titles is largely why. Last year he described Melbourne Park, where there is always a large band of Serbian support, as "feeling like home".
After the visa cancellation was initially overturned in a court appeal on Monday, Djokovic said it was "always an honour and privilege" to play in Australia.
But this has been a damaging episode and raises questions about whether he will ever return to play.
Djokovic could, in theory, face a three-year ban after having his visa revoked. By that time he would be 37.
What does this mean for his relationship with Australia?
"I love you each year more and more. The love affair keeps going," he told the Rod Laver Arena crowd after winning the title last year.
If Djokovic had avoided deportation and took to the court on Monday, it would have been fascinating to hear and see the reaction of the fans at Melbourne Park.
There has been anger among the Australian public, who have endured some of the toughest lockdown rules in the world.
Australian Open organisers and politicians have also been heavily criticised for their roles in the saga.
Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley has built a strong relationship with Djokovic and, speaking before Djokovic landed in Melbourne, he denied accusations the governing body had helped the player obtain the exemption.
There were claims Tennis Australia had been told by the Australian government in November that border officials would not accept a previous case of Covid as a valid exemption reason to be unvaccinated.
Last week, Acting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan claimed Tiley and Tennis Australia did not inform the state government about this guidance from the federal government.
Amid criticism of his role in the saga, Tiley said the confusion had arisen from "conflicting information" in a "changing environment". He denied Tennis Australia had deliberately misled players seeking exemptions.
David Prince, an Australian immigration lawyer, said there was "egg on faces" for the authorities.
"The handling of the affair looks collectively very bad from Tennis Australia, the Victorian government and Australian federal government," he said.
BBC
But he has been denied the chance to win a record 21st major at next week's Australian Open after his visa was revoked by the country's government.
The row stopped the 34-year-old Serb having a shot at making more tennis history - but also raises further questions for Djokovic, plus other players who are reluctant to be vaccinated against Covid-19, for the season ahead.
Will other countries stop Djokovic entering if he is not vaccinated? Could it prevent him playing in the other Grand Slam tournaments? For how long?
And what does it mean for the nine-time Australian Open champion's future?
After losing his bid to have his visa cancellation overturned, Djokovic will be denied the opportunity in Australia to become the man with the most Grand Slam titles.
Level with Switzerland's Roger Federer and Spain's Rafael Nadal on 20, the world number one was aiming to move clear of his long-time rivals for the first time by winning his 10th title at Melbourne Park, although it seems extremely unlikely Djokovic will not play another Grand Slam.
Nadal, 35, could move ahead by winning for the first time since his only triumph there in 2009, while 40-year-old Federer is missing with a long-term knee injury.
The issue with Djokovic's entry into Australia also raises questions about whether he will face difficulty entering other countries.
But, as Nadal pointed out, Djokovic would face no such problems if he decided to get the vaccination.
Some governments have made vaccinations mandatory for foreign visitors, with others allowing unvaccinated travellers if they provide negative tests and spend time in isolation on arrival.
Generally throughout his career, Djokovic has taken a few weeks off after the Australian Open before returning for the ATP Masters tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami in March.
Non-US citizens must be fully vaccinated to travel to the United States, according to the US Department of State.
"Foreign national air travellers to the United States will be required to be fully vaccinated and to provide proof of vaccination status prior to boarding an airplane to fly to the United States, with only limited exceptions," it states.
Limited exceptions include people with "documented medical contraindications to receiving a Covid-19 vaccine" and those whose entry would be in the national interest.
After Miami, the season moves into the European clay-court swing. The first key tournament is in Monte Carlo, where Djokovic resumed his 2021 season after winning the Australian Open two months earlier.
Current rules state unvaccinated people can enter the principality if they have proof of a positive PCR test more than 11 days ago and in the past six months, but must otherwise complete a quarantine period that can be cut short by tests.
After Monte Carlo, there are two more Masters events in Rome and Madrid before the European clay-court season culminates with the French Open in Paris at the end of May.
Unvaccinated travellers can enter Spain, France and Italy in various circumstances, enabled by PCR and antigen tests while, potentially, having to complete quarantine periods.
French president Emmanuel Macron recently said he wanted to make life difficult for unvaccinated people in the country, using a vulgar term to express his sentiments.
While that comment related to rules in French daily life rather than travel restrictions, it was perhaps an insight into what Djokovic might face before the second Grand Slam of the 2022 season.
However, French sports minister Roxana Maracineanu recently said non-residents would not be bound by new legislation making vaccinations mandatory for French sports people.
What about Wimbledon?
Djokovic is the reigning Wimbledon champion after winning his sixth title at the All England Club last year.
With just under six months until this year's tournament, it is too early to say exactly what restrictions - if any - players will face in order to participate.
There will be many more developments in the pandemic which will have subsequent knock-on effects for travelling and major sporting events.
The Australian Open said players would have to be vaccinated to enter - unless they successfully applied for an exemption -- but it is anticipated Wimbledon's entry requirements would be led by relevant government guidance.
Currently, non-vaccinated people can enter England but they must complete 10 days of quarantine. They must also hold a negative pre-departure test and two more PCR tests - on day two and day eight - after arriving.
The test-to-release scheme is still an option to those who want to shorten their isolation period.
Asked if he would allow Djokovic to play at Wimbledon this summer, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "It's important for the Australian authorities to make their own dispositions.
"All I would say about Novak Djokovic is I believe in vaccination and I think it's a wonderful thing to do."
Will Djokovic play in Australia again?
Djokovic has long spoken of his affection for Australia and the self-marketed 'Happy Slam' held there.
Winning a record nine Australian Open men's titles is largely why. Last year he described Melbourne Park, where there is always a large band of Serbian support, as "feeling like home".
After the visa cancellation was initially overturned in a court appeal on Monday, Djokovic said it was "always an honour and privilege" to play in Australia.
But this has been a damaging episode and raises questions about whether he will ever return to play.
Djokovic could, in theory, face a three-year ban after having his visa revoked. By that time he would be 37.
What does this mean for his relationship with Australia?
"I love you each year more and more. The love affair keeps going," he told the Rod Laver Arena crowd after winning the title last year.
If Djokovic had avoided deportation and took to the court on Monday, it would have been fascinating to hear and see the reaction of the fans at Melbourne Park.
There has been anger among the Australian public, who have endured some of the toughest lockdown rules in the world.
Australian Open organisers and politicians have also been heavily criticised for their roles in the saga.
Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley has built a strong relationship with Djokovic and, speaking before Djokovic landed in Melbourne, he denied accusations the governing body had helped the player obtain the exemption.
There were claims Tennis Australia had been told by the Australian government in November that border officials would not accept a previous case of Covid as a valid exemption reason to be unvaccinated.
Last week, Acting Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan claimed Tiley and Tennis Australia did not inform the state government about this guidance from the federal government.
Amid criticism of his role in the saga, Tiley said the confusion had arisen from "conflicting information" in a "changing environment". He denied Tennis Australia had deliberately misled players seeking exemptions.
David Prince, an Australian immigration lawyer, said there was "egg on faces" for the authorities.
"The handling of the affair looks collectively very bad from Tennis Australia, the Victorian government and Australian federal government," he said.
BBC
Technics 1210
Test Debutant
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- Feb 27, 2019
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- 14,632
His 3 year ban could effect entry into other countries too.
Australia need to stop giving auto generated visas or include a section on vaccines in the process. If they want everyone double or quadruple vaxed by mid this year they need that information upfront or any exemption. It has been a great distraction for the government and they have loved it every minute, as their incompetency on other matters is being ignored by the media and people and we are heading to the peak NSW atleast this week.
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- 217,715
Tennis star Novak Djokovic could return to Australia sooner than anticipated following his deportation, the country's prime minister says.
The top men's player was deported on Sunday after losing a visa battle that centred on the fact he is unvaccinated.
Under Australia's immigration laws, Djokovic, 34, cannot be granted another visa for three years.
But Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he could be allowed entry sooner under the "right circumstances".
"[The ban] does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for them to return in the right circumstances and that would be considered at the time," he said in an interview with the Australian radio station 2GB on Monday.
Australian law does provide for compelling or compassionate reasons for the three-year visa ban to be waived.
This would potentially allow Djokovic to take part in the Australian Open tournament next year.
This year's tournament, which has been overshadowed by the unvaccinated player's visa troubles, began in Melbourne on Monday.
Djokovic had been scheduled to play later in the day - but his dramatic deportation just hours earlier ended his hopes of winning a record 21st Grand Slam title at the event.
The Serbian player boarded an Emirates flight to Dubai from Melbourne late on Sunday, arriving just before dawn local time on Monday.
He was seen stepping off the flight wearing a mask and carrying two bags. He is expected in Belgrade later.
Djokovic was forced to leave Australia after judges upheld a decision by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to cancel his visa on public health grounds.
The decision marked the end of a tumultuous 10-day saga where the Serb fought to stay and defend his title.
He was originally granted a medical exemption to enter Australia by two different independent health panels - one commissioned by Tennis Australia, the other by the state government of Victoria - after testing positive for coronavirus in mid-December.
But the player's attempt to enter the country without being vaccinated stoked public anger.
The Australian Border Force then detained him on 5 January for not meeting coronavirus requirements and his visa was revoked.
A judge overturned that decision last Monday, but the government stepped in several days later to revoke the visa yet again.
The legal battle reached its conclusion on Sunday when judges upheld the government's decision, leaving Djokovic with no other option but to leave the country.
BBC
The top men's player was deported on Sunday after losing a visa battle that centred on the fact he is unvaccinated.
Under Australia's immigration laws, Djokovic, 34, cannot be granted another visa for three years.
But Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he could be allowed entry sooner under the "right circumstances".
"[The ban] does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for them to return in the right circumstances and that would be considered at the time," he said in an interview with the Australian radio station 2GB on Monday.
Australian law does provide for compelling or compassionate reasons for the three-year visa ban to be waived.
This would potentially allow Djokovic to take part in the Australian Open tournament next year.
This year's tournament, which has been overshadowed by the unvaccinated player's visa troubles, began in Melbourne on Monday.
Djokovic had been scheduled to play later in the day - but his dramatic deportation just hours earlier ended his hopes of winning a record 21st Grand Slam title at the event.
The Serbian player boarded an Emirates flight to Dubai from Melbourne late on Sunday, arriving just before dawn local time on Monday.
He was seen stepping off the flight wearing a mask and carrying two bags. He is expected in Belgrade later.
Djokovic was forced to leave Australia after judges upheld a decision by Immigration Minister Alex Hawke to cancel his visa on public health grounds.
The decision marked the end of a tumultuous 10-day saga where the Serb fought to stay and defend his title.
He was originally granted a medical exemption to enter Australia by two different independent health panels - one commissioned by Tennis Australia, the other by the state government of Victoria - after testing positive for coronavirus in mid-December.
But the player's attempt to enter the country without being vaccinated stoked public anger.
The Australian Border Force then detained him on 5 January for not meeting coronavirus requirements and his visa was revoked.
A judge overturned that decision last Monday, but the government stepped in several days later to revoke the visa yet again.
The legal battle reached its conclusion on Sunday when judges upheld the government's decision, leaving Djokovic with no other option but to leave the country.
BBC
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Novak Djokovic has landed in the Serbian capital of Belgrade following his deportation from Australia over his lack of a COVID-19 vaccination.
The world tennis number one arrived on a flight from Dubai a little after 12pm local time after being forced to leave the country as the Australian Open was getting under way in Melbourne.
A small crowd, some carrying Serbian flags, waited for him outside the terminal at Nikola Tesla Airport, along with journalists.
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic arrives at Nikola Tesla Airport, after the Australian Federal Court upheld a government decision to cancel his visa to play in the Australian Open, in Belgrade, Serbia January 17, 2022.
His departure came after three judges in Australia upheld the government's cancellation of the Serb's visa and his deportation.
The court ruling capped a two-week drama over his decision not to be vaccinated against coronavirus.
The judges upheld the visa cancellation on public interest grounds - meaning he could not defend his Australian Open title - a tournament he has won nine times.
Djokovic was hoping to set a new record of 21 Grand Slam singles titles, moving ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who also have 20 career slams.
SKY
The world tennis number one arrived on a flight from Dubai a little after 12pm local time after being forced to leave the country as the Australian Open was getting under way in Melbourne.
A small crowd, some carrying Serbian flags, waited for him outside the terminal at Nikola Tesla Airport, along with journalists.
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic arrives at Nikola Tesla Airport, after the Australian Federal Court upheld a government decision to cancel his visa to play in the Australian Open, in Belgrade, Serbia January 17, 2022.
His departure came after three judges in Australia upheld the government's cancellation of the Serb's visa and his deportation.
The court ruling capped a two-week drama over his decision not to be vaccinated against coronavirus.
The judges upheld the visa cancellation on public interest grounds - meaning he could not defend his Australian Open title - a tournament he has won nine times.
Djokovic was hoping to set a new record of 21 Grand Slam singles titles, moving ahead of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, who also have 20 career slams.
SKY
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Novak Djokovic could face being barred from Roland Garros after France insisted on a Covid-19 pass barring unvaccinated people from all sports arenas #SSTennis
KingKhanWC
Test Captain
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- 48,876
Im just glad I dont have to watch any Aussie news now! Its so poor, worse than Aussie cricket commentary. One politician ranted just get vaccinated ! lol.
You are living in a nation which has draconian almost fascist laws. You have types of prison camps for certain people. But what is really shocking is the basic lack of knowledge regarding this virus & vaccines.
Novak was changing the narrative, showing the world vaccines arent needed for certain people. Natural immunity is better. Aussies and others couldnt allow this narrative to win.
Hitler must be smiling in his grave right now.
Technics 1210
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Agree. Australia and the land of freedom. Sheer nonsense. Irony considering the convict history.
There is no freedom in a white man's land. It's just an illusion.
KingKhanWC
Test Captain
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- 48,876
Very ironic. The mentality of the Aussie governments and some of their public is of criminals!
I always wanted to visit Aus, thought it was a very civilised and free nation but we know now its the opposite.
Technics 1210
Test Debutant
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Australia never was a free country given it's history of being a convict nation in chains, and the way Aboriginal ancestors are ignore. I mean Boland is just another player but because of his heritage he's been bigged up to the max. Why in a country of fairness and freedom? Simply because Aboriginals are seen as second class citizens. Thus It's big news!
Aussies are not even classed as Westerns; at best a member of the 5 eyes white group.
KingKhanWC
Test Captain
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2010
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- 48,876
Its still a colony! They need to check the world map, its not the west! I suppose if you're white, you are western regardless if you live in one of the hottest nations.
This lady decided to move from Melbourne to Darwin to escape the open prison. She was placed into a Nazi style camp even having no covid!
Check this out.
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Novak Djokovic debacle: Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison leaves door open for Australia Open return next year
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has left the door open for Novak Djokovic to compete at next year's Australian Open despite the Serb facing an automatic three-year ban from entering the country.
The world No 1 left Australia late on Sunday - arriving back to Serbia on Monday a little after 11.30am GMT - after the Federal Court upheld a government decision to cancel his visa, capping days of drama over the country's COVID-19 entry rules and his unvaccinated status.
Under immigration law, Djokovic cannot be granted another visa for three years unless Australia's immigration minister accepts there are compelling or compassionate reasons.
"I'm not going to precondition any of that or say anything that would not enable the minister to make the various calls he has to make," Morrison told 2GB radio on Monday as Djokovic was en route to Dubai.
"It does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for [a person] to return in the right circumstances, and that will be considered at the time."
The unanimous ruling by a three-judge Federal Court bench dealt a final blow to Djokovic's hopes of chasing a record 21st Grand Slam win at the Australian Open, which started on Monday, dismaying his family and supporters.
"If you're someone coming from overseas, and there are conditions for you to enter this country, then you have to comply with them," Morrison added.
"This is about someone who sought to come to Australia and not comply with the entry rules at our border.".
Meanwhile, French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu said on Sunday that sportspeople will need to be vaccinated to compete in the country, putting a question mark over Djokovic's participation in this year's French Open too.
This represents a U-turn by Maracineanu who earlier in the week had defended the idea of bubbles for unvaccinated athletes, with the French parliament passing stricter restrictions regarding Covid-19.
https://www.skysports.com/tennis/ne...door-open-for-australia-open-return-next-year
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has left the door open for Novak Djokovic to compete at next year's Australian Open despite the Serb facing an automatic three-year ban from entering the country.
The world No 1 left Australia late on Sunday - arriving back to Serbia on Monday a little after 11.30am GMT - after the Federal Court upheld a government decision to cancel his visa, capping days of drama over the country's COVID-19 entry rules and his unvaccinated status.
Under immigration law, Djokovic cannot be granted another visa for three years unless Australia's immigration minister accepts there are compelling or compassionate reasons.
"I'm not going to precondition any of that or say anything that would not enable the minister to make the various calls he has to make," Morrison told 2GB radio on Monday as Djokovic was en route to Dubai.
"It does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for [a person] to return in the right circumstances, and that will be considered at the time."
The unanimous ruling by a three-judge Federal Court bench dealt a final blow to Djokovic's hopes of chasing a record 21st Grand Slam win at the Australian Open, which started on Monday, dismaying his family and supporters.
"If you're someone coming from overseas, and there are conditions for you to enter this country, then you have to comply with them," Morrison added.
"This is about someone who sought to come to Australia and not comply with the entry rules at our border.".
Meanwhile, French Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu said on Sunday that sportspeople will need to be vaccinated to compete in the country, putting a question mark over Djokovic's participation in this year's French Open too.
This represents a U-turn by Maracineanu who earlier in the week had defended the idea of bubbles for unvaccinated athletes, with the French parliament passing stricter restrictions regarding Covid-19.
https://www.skysports.com/tennis/ne...door-open-for-australia-open-return-next-year
Australia has this faux fair go image, it is an extremely compliant nation (which was reported on highly in the UK press). We have a 95% plus vaccination rates and 5% unvaccinated are the ones who are a threat . My mother in law thinks unvaccinated should be still locked up.....it is ridiculous!
The behaviour displayed by Australia during the last 2 years has made many migrants question if this is a a countey to call hinr in the long run.
The behaviour displayed by Australia during the last 2 years has made many migrants question if this is a a countey to call hinr in the long run.
KingKhanWC
Test Captain
- Joined
- Jan 2, 2010
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- 48,876
Im really not being horrible but when you watch your news, the polticians, the reporters dont you think why are these people so dumb? Its like listening to 5 year olds.
You should have a plan B, some property or land elsewhere, perhaps Pakistan. In 24 months or less, you all will be forced to have chips inplanted in your hands. Atm they are working to get Aussie kids vaccinated. Children are 4-6 x more likely to get myocarditis after vaccine compared to being hospitalised by Covid.
Do you want to leave Australia Salma, you can't change how it is so, how long do you think it will be before you leave. I can't leave because I have nowhere to go.
Yep I know many people whose kids have been vaxxed and no issues as yet, I may be doing it end of the month still unsure. I can always go back to my birth country the good old Blighty if **** really hits the fan but if you don't have to deal with the government life isn't bad here!
I have only been here 10 years and home will always be England! As I said in another post life here is fine if you don't have to deal with government and hopefully come may this idiots will be voted out!
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- 217,715
Novak Djokovic should get vaccinated if he expects to play in Spain, government spokesman says
Tennis star Novak Djokovic should get vaccinated against COVID-19 if he expects to play in Spain, a Spanish government spokesperson has said.
"What Mr Djokovic has to do is get vaccinated, that would be the most sensible thing to do," Isabel Rodriguez told a news conference.
The world men's tennis number one was recently deported from Australia for not being vaccinated and landed in Belgrade, Serbia yesterday.
He regularly travels to Spain where he owns a house in the southern resort of Marbella.
Tennis star Novak Djokovic should get vaccinated against COVID-19 if he expects to play in Spain, a Spanish government spokesperson has said.
"What Mr Djokovic has to do is get vaccinated, that would be the most sensible thing to do," Isabel Rodriguez told a news conference.
The world men's tennis number one was recently deported from Australia for not being vaccinated and landed in Belgrade, Serbia yesterday.
He regularly travels to Spain where he owns a house in the southern resort of Marbella.
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Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic, recently deported from Australia due to his coronavirus vaccine status, is co-founder and majority shareholder of a biotech firm developing a Covid treatment, the Danish company's CEO said Wednesday. "He is one of the founders of my company we founded in June 2020," the chief executive of QuantBioRes, Ivan Loncarevic, told AFP. According to information publicly available in the Danish business register, 34-year-old Djokovic and his wife, Jelena, together hold a stake of 80 percent in QuantBioRes, which employs a workforce of around 20 in Denmark, Slovenia, Australia and Britain.
"We aim to develop a new technology to fight viruses and resistant bacteria and we decided to use Covid as a showcase," Loncarevic said.
"If we succeed with Covid, we will succeed with other viruses."
QuantBioRes is planning to launch clinical trials in the UK in the summer, the CEO said.
The unvaccinated men's world number one flew out of Melbourne on Sunday after he failed in a last-gasp court bid to stay and play in the opening Grand Slam of the year, where he was targeting a record 21st major title.
His dramatic departure followed a protracted, high-stakes legal battle between the athlete and Australian authorities that cast a dark shadow over the tournament.
Contacted by AFP, Djokovic's spokesman declined to comment on the tennis star's stake in the Danish biotech firm.
https://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/nova...d-drug-ceo-2718501#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories
"We aim to develop a new technology to fight viruses and resistant bacteria and we decided to use Covid as a showcase," Loncarevic said.
"If we succeed with Covid, we will succeed with other viruses."
QuantBioRes is planning to launch clinical trials in the UK in the summer, the CEO said.
The unvaccinated men's world number one flew out of Melbourne on Sunday after he failed in a last-gasp court bid to stay and play in the opening Grand Slam of the year, where he was targeting a record 21st major title.
His dramatic departure followed a protracted, high-stakes legal battle between the athlete and Australian authorities that cast a dark shadow over the tournament.
Contacted by AFP, Djokovic's spokesman declined to comment on the tennis star's stake in the Danish biotech firm.
https://sports.ndtv.com/tennis/nova...d-drug-ceo-2718501#pfrom=home-ndtv_topstories
James
World Star
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- Post of the Week
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https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-australia-60066404
<b>Djokovic could have inspired anti-vax Australians, court says</b>
An Australian court has said it was reasonable to be concerned that Novak Djokovic might have inspired anti-vaccine sentiment, and revoke his visa.
The tennis star had been preparing for the Australian Open when the immigration minister cancelled his visa on "health and good order" grounds.
Laying out its reasons for backing that decision, the court said Djokovic's opposition to vaccines was well-known.
"An iconic world tennis star may influence people of all ages," it said.
In its formal written decision, it found that Djokovic could encourage "especially the young and the impressionable, to emulate him".
"This is not fanciful; it does not need evidence. It is the recognition of human behaviour," the three-judge panel wrote.
And it noted that such influence might not affect just anti-vaccination campaigners, but "also... people who may simply be uncertain or wavering as to whether they will be vaccinated".
Djokovic had initially been detained by border officials when he arrived in Australia in early January and his visa was cancelled.
But he won a legal case challenging that decision, before immigration minister Alex Hawke stepped in and cancelled it again on 14 January.
This time, the player's lawyers had argued that the world's number one men's tennis player had never told people not to get vaccinated, and the decision by the minister was not based on fact.
But the panel rejected those claims.
Djokovic "had for over a year chosen not to be vaccinated since vaccines became available", they said.
And the minister was concerned by reports that anti-vaccination groups "had portrayed Mr Djokovic as a hero and an icon of freedom of choice".
The issue was not about whether Djokovic was proven to be a risk, but only whether the minister was "satisfied" that he might be.
"Another person in the position of the Minister may have not cancelled Mr Djokovic's visa. The Minister did," they wrote.
The court papers also showed that an online BBC News article appears to have been submitted as evidence.
"What has Novak Djokovic actually said about vaccines?" was cited in the minister's reasons as a record of the star's historic comments, including that he had, before Covid vaccines were available, said he was "opposed to vaccination".
He later clarified his position by adding that he was "no expert" and would keep an "open mind" but wanted to have "an option to choose what's best for my body".
Djokovic's lawyers took issue with the article as evidence, arguing that Djokovic had not been asked for his current views.
But the court said the tennis player had not said anything to suggest a "change of attitude" either in public or when interviewed by Australian officials.
Djokovic was deported following the court's decision, arriving back home in Belgrade, Serbia on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, The Sun newspaper reported that the player was considering suing the Australian government for millions of pounds for alleged "ill treatment".
Citing an anonymous source "close to" Djokovic's agent, the newspaper reported that the amount would include his "winnings" that he might have made had he been allowed to compete.
Djokovic's legal team declined to comment on that report when contacted by the BBC.
Doubt has also been cast on Djokovic's ability to play in the next major tournament, the French Open, in May.
French officials have said that no exemptions will be granted to France's latest vaccine passport rules, which apply to both athletes and spectators.
However, sports officials have also said it is possible the rules could be relaxed by May.
<b>Djokovic could have inspired anti-vax Australians, court says</b>
An Australian court has said it was reasonable to be concerned that Novak Djokovic might have inspired anti-vaccine sentiment, and revoke his visa.
The tennis star had been preparing for the Australian Open when the immigration minister cancelled his visa on "health and good order" grounds.
Laying out its reasons for backing that decision, the court said Djokovic's opposition to vaccines was well-known.
"An iconic world tennis star may influence people of all ages," it said.
In its formal written decision, it found that Djokovic could encourage "especially the young and the impressionable, to emulate him".
"This is not fanciful; it does not need evidence. It is the recognition of human behaviour," the three-judge panel wrote.
And it noted that such influence might not affect just anti-vaccination campaigners, but "also... people who may simply be uncertain or wavering as to whether they will be vaccinated".
Djokovic had initially been detained by border officials when he arrived in Australia in early January and his visa was cancelled.
But he won a legal case challenging that decision, before immigration minister Alex Hawke stepped in and cancelled it again on 14 January.
This time, the player's lawyers had argued that the world's number one men's tennis player had never told people not to get vaccinated, and the decision by the minister was not based on fact.
But the panel rejected those claims.
Djokovic "had for over a year chosen not to be vaccinated since vaccines became available", they said.
And the minister was concerned by reports that anti-vaccination groups "had portrayed Mr Djokovic as a hero and an icon of freedom of choice".
The issue was not about whether Djokovic was proven to be a risk, but only whether the minister was "satisfied" that he might be.
"Another person in the position of the Minister may have not cancelled Mr Djokovic's visa. The Minister did," they wrote.
The court papers also showed that an online BBC News article appears to have been submitted as evidence.
"What has Novak Djokovic actually said about vaccines?" was cited in the minister's reasons as a record of the star's historic comments, including that he had, before Covid vaccines were available, said he was "opposed to vaccination".
He later clarified his position by adding that he was "no expert" and would keep an "open mind" but wanted to have "an option to choose what's best for my body".
Djokovic's lawyers took issue with the article as evidence, arguing that Djokovic had not been asked for his current views.
But the court said the tennis player had not said anything to suggest a "change of attitude" either in public or when interviewed by Australian officials.
Djokovic was deported following the court's decision, arriving back home in Belgrade, Serbia on Tuesday.
On Wednesday, The Sun newspaper reported that the player was considering suing the Australian government for millions of pounds for alleged "ill treatment".
Citing an anonymous source "close to" Djokovic's agent, the newspaper reported that the amount would include his "winnings" that he might have made had he been allowed to compete.
Djokovic's legal team declined to comment on that report when contacted by the BBC.
Doubt has also been cast on Djokovic's ability to play in the next major tournament, the French Open, in May.
French officials have said that no exemptions will be granted to France's latest vaccine passport rules, which apply to both athletes and spectators.
However, sports officials have also said it is possible the rules could be relaxed by May.
Last Monetarist
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Doubts have emerged over the timing of the positive Covid test Novak Djokovic used to enter Australia to try to compete in the Australian Open.
It was provided to exempt him from rules barring unvaccinated people.
However, the serial number on his test on 16 December appears out of sequence with a sample of tests from Serbia over this period gathered by the BBC.
It is also higher than for his second (negative) test result from six days later.
His visa application was ultimately rejected, but not on these grounds.
What are people questioning?
Documents submitted by his lawyers to federal court in Australia included two Covid (PCR) test certificates, one with a positive result on 16 December and one with a negative result on 22 December.
Djokovic tests
A German research group called Zerforschung first picked up on the discrepancy that the earlier test had a higher confirmation code than the later one.
They wrote a blog titled "Novak Djokovic's time-travelling PCR tests", and partnered with German news site Der Spiegel who reported on the issue.
Documents submitted to the federal court in Australia included one from the acting director of Serbia's official health body, confirming the dates on these certificates accurately reflected when the tests had been carried out.
Mr Djokovic was tested in Serbia, and received his results from the Institute of Public Health of Serbia.
All these test results have a unique confirmation code.
We wanted to check whether these numbers are generated in strict chronological order in a single national database at the time of processing.
If so, it would bring into question why the earlier test had a higher serial number.
So we collected data from as many Serbian test certificates as we could to plot these confirmation codes on a timeline.
Serbian test codes over time
Each dot on the graph above represents a single confirmation code on a test certificate we obtained.
Of these, 21 were provided by BBC colleagues based in Serbia, all issued by the Institute of Public Health.
A further 35 were obtained from Milovan Suvakov, a Serbian research scientist based in the US, who had been posting some of his own data on Twitter.
He sent us the PDF files for all these results - some redacted to protect identities.
The confirmation codes in all cases slotted into the same chronological timeline as our initial batch sent by BBC colleagues and showed that the earlier the test result date, the lower the confirmation code.
The only outlier of all the confirmation codes we've plotted was Mr Djokovic's positive test on 16 December.
We have tests in our sample from 16 December as well as from the days either side.
They all follow the expected pattern with confirmation numbers increasing chronologically.
If you then take the confirmation code for Mr Djokovic's positive test on 16 December (7371999), it fits on our line between the test code results we have for 25 December (7366969) and 28 December (7415312).
This would seem to suggest a test from between these two later dates.
We know that the two tests taken by Mr Djokovic were processed in different laboratories, and it's possible that these labs were issued with different batches of confirmation codes.
This might explain why his first test has a higher code than his second.
However, in our list of confirmation codes, we have two that were processed in the same lab as Mr Djokovic's positive test (two days and four days after his sample). They both have lower confirmation codes.
In addition, the test results we gathered were processed at eight different labs, and there is nothing in the data to suggest different labs have separate batches of confirmation codes.
"There is always the possibility for a glitch," says Djordje Krivokapic, a specialist in data and digital security.
"But if that were the case, there would be a simple explanation," he says. "I don't see why the state authorities wouldn't just say that."
We've put all our findings in this report to the Institute of Public Health of Serbia, as well as the government's Office of Information Technology.
We've tried on multiple occasions and through various channels, but have not yet had a response.
We also contacted Mr Djokovic's team and invited them to explain the discrepancies, but haven't heard back from them.
BBC
It was provided to exempt him from rules barring unvaccinated people.
However, the serial number on his test on 16 December appears out of sequence with a sample of tests from Serbia over this period gathered by the BBC.
It is also higher than for his second (negative) test result from six days later.
His visa application was ultimately rejected, but not on these grounds.
What are people questioning?
Documents submitted by his lawyers to federal court in Australia included two Covid (PCR) test certificates, one with a positive result on 16 December and one with a negative result on 22 December.
Djokovic tests
A German research group called Zerforschung first picked up on the discrepancy that the earlier test had a higher confirmation code than the later one.
They wrote a blog titled "Novak Djokovic's time-travelling PCR tests", and partnered with German news site Der Spiegel who reported on the issue.
Documents submitted to the federal court in Australia included one from the acting director of Serbia's official health body, confirming the dates on these certificates accurately reflected when the tests had been carried out.
Mr Djokovic was tested in Serbia, and received his results from the Institute of Public Health of Serbia.
All these test results have a unique confirmation code.
We wanted to check whether these numbers are generated in strict chronological order in a single national database at the time of processing.
If so, it would bring into question why the earlier test had a higher serial number.
So we collected data from as many Serbian test certificates as we could to plot these confirmation codes on a timeline.
Serbian test codes over time
Each dot on the graph above represents a single confirmation code on a test certificate we obtained.
Of these, 21 were provided by BBC colleagues based in Serbia, all issued by the Institute of Public Health.
A further 35 were obtained from Milovan Suvakov, a Serbian research scientist based in the US, who had been posting some of his own data on Twitter.
He sent us the PDF files for all these results - some redacted to protect identities.
The confirmation codes in all cases slotted into the same chronological timeline as our initial batch sent by BBC colleagues and showed that the earlier the test result date, the lower the confirmation code.
The only outlier of all the confirmation codes we've plotted was Mr Djokovic's positive test on 16 December.
We have tests in our sample from 16 December as well as from the days either side.
They all follow the expected pattern with confirmation numbers increasing chronologically.
If you then take the confirmation code for Mr Djokovic's positive test on 16 December (7371999), it fits on our line between the test code results we have for 25 December (7366969) and 28 December (7415312).
This would seem to suggest a test from between these two later dates.
We know that the two tests taken by Mr Djokovic were processed in different laboratories, and it's possible that these labs were issued with different batches of confirmation codes.
This might explain why his first test has a higher code than his second.
However, in our list of confirmation codes, we have two that were processed in the same lab as Mr Djokovic's positive test (two days and four days after his sample). They both have lower confirmation codes.
In addition, the test results we gathered were processed at eight different labs, and there is nothing in the data to suggest different labs have separate batches of confirmation codes.
"There is always the possibility for a glitch," says Djordje Krivokapic, a specialist in data and digital security.
"But if that were the case, there would be a simple explanation," he says. "I don't see why the state authorities wouldn't just say that."
We've put all our findings in this report to the Institute of Public Health of Serbia, as well as the government's Office of Information Technology.
We've tried on multiple occasions and through various channels, but have not yet had a response.
We also contacted Mr Djokovic's team and invited them to explain the discrepancies, but haven't heard back from them.
BBC
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- Oct 2, 2004
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- 217,715
Prosecutors in Serbia say there is no evidence to suggest that Novak Djokovic submitted falsified Covid test certificates to Australian authorities.
A BBC report last week cast doubt over the tests, suggesting the serial numbers were out of sequence with others from a similar time.
The tests were provided to exempt him from rules barring unvaccinated people.
Serbian authorities have not explained the discrepancies identified by the BBC.
Djokovic's visa was rejected and he was later deported before the start of the Australian Open tournament. That was due to the country's Covid vaccination rules, and not on the grounds that his documents were falsified.
The Belgrade Public Prosecutor's office has now said that the Health Ministry confirmed the documents were authentic.
The office says it inspected the "electronic database" which contains details of tests and results and it shows that Djokovic's initial positive test and his later negative result were both valid.
Documents submitted by his lawyers to federal court in Australia included two Covid (PCR) test certificates, one with a positive result on 16 December and one with a negative result on 22 December.
A German research group called Zerforschung first picked up on the discrepancy that the earlier test had a higher confirmation code than the later one.
They wrote a blog titled "Novak Djokovic's time-travelling PCR tests", and partnered with German news site Der Spiegel who reported on the issue.
Documents submitted to the federal court in Australia included one from the acting director of Serbia's official health body, confirming the dates on these certificates accurately reflected when the tests had been carried out.
The serial numbers on the documents were out of sequence with others collected from around the same period, the BBC reported.
But Serbia's prosecutor's office said on Wednesday: "It was established that Novak Djokovic was tested multiple times and the... test results from December 16 and December 22 were valid."
The prosecutor's statement comes on the eve of a meeting between the tennis player and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
BBC
A BBC report last week cast doubt over the tests, suggesting the serial numbers were out of sequence with others from a similar time.
The tests were provided to exempt him from rules barring unvaccinated people.
Serbian authorities have not explained the discrepancies identified by the BBC.
Djokovic's visa was rejected and he was later deported before the start of the Australian Open tournament. That was due to the country's Covid vaccination rules, and not on the grounds that his documents were falsified.
The Belgrade Public Prosecutor's office has now said that the Health Ministry confirmed the documents were authentic.
The office says it inspected the "electronic database" which contains details of tests and results and it shows that Djokovic's initial positive test and his later negative result were both valid.
Documents submitted by his lawyers to federal court in Australia included two Covid (PCR) test certificates, one with a positive result on 16 December and one with a negative result on 22 December.
A German research group called Zerforschung first picked up on the discrepancy that the earlier test had a higher confirmation code than the later one.
They wrote a blog titled "Novak Djokovic's time-travelling PCR tests", and partnered with German news site Der Spiegel who reported on the issue.
Documents submitted to the federal court in Australia included one from the acting director of Serbia's official health body, confirming the dates on these certificates accurately reflected when the tests had been carried out.
The serial numbers on the documents were out of sequence with others collected from around the same period, the BBC reported.
But Serbia's prosecutor's office said on Wednesday: "It was established that Novak Djokovic was tested multiple times and the... test results from December 16 and December 22 were valid."
The prosecutor's statement comes on the eve of a meeting between the tennis player and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
BBC
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Djokovic thanks Serbian president for support amid doubts about his COVID test
Novak Djokovic has thanked the Serbian president for his support during his "unfortunate" detention and deportation from Australia.
The tennis star was unable to participate in the Australian Open after failing to meet the country's strict vaccination requirements.
Addressing Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, he said: "I felt a great need to thank you for the great support that you, as the president of Serbia, gave me, as well as all state institutions during the unfortunate events in Australia.
"Although I was alone in detention, and faced with many problems and challenges, I wasn't feeling lonely.
"I had huge support primarily from my family, all of the close people in my life, entire Serbian nation, many people with good intentions from the region and the world."
The meeting happened after Serbian prosecutors rejected suggestions that Djokovic used a fake positive COVID test to try to enter Australia.
SKY
Novak Djokovic has thanked the Serbian president for his support during his "unfortunate" detention and deportation from Australia.
The tennis star was unable to participate in the Australian Open after failing to meet the country's strict vaccination requirements.
Addressing Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, he said: "I felt a great need to thank you for the great support that you, as the president of Serbia, gave me, as well as all state institutions during the unfortunate events in Australia.
"Although I was alone in detention, and faced with many problems and challenges, I wasn't feeling lonely.
"I had huge support primarily from my family, all of the close people in my life, entire Serbian nation, many people with good intentions from the region and the world."
The meeting happened after Serbian prosecutors rejected suggestions that Djokovic used a fake positive COVID test to try to enter Australia.
SKY
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- 217,715
Novak Djokovic has said he would rather miss out on future tennis trophies than be forced to get a Covid vaccine.
Speaking exclusively to the BBC, he said he should not be associated with the anti-vax movement, but supported an individual's right to choose.
Djokovic was asked if he would sacrifice taking part in competitions such as Wimbledon and the French Open over his stance on the vaccine.
"Yes, that is the price that I'm willing to pay," he said.
The 20-times Grand Slam winner was deported from Australia last month after the government cancelled his visa in a row over his vaccine status.
Djokovic, who is the world's number one men's tennis player, said he had obtained a medical exemption to enter the country to play in the Australian Open as he had recently recovered from Covid-19.
However, the country's immigration minister, Alex Hawke, personally cancelled the 34-year-old's visa, on the grounds that his presence could incite "civil unrest" and encourage anti-vaccine sentiment.
"I was never against vaccination," he told the BBC, confirming that he'd had vaccines as a child, "but I've always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body."
In a wide-ranging interview, his first since he was detained in Melbourne in January, Djokovic addressed speculation about the timing of his positive Covid case in December and discussed his own attitude towards the vaccine.
Djokovic said he hoped vaccination requirements in certain tournaments would change, adding that he was hoping that he "can play for many more years".
But he also confirmed he was willing to forego the chance to become statistically the greatest tennis player of all time because he felt so strongly. Djokovic's rival, Rafael Nadal, has won 21 Grand Slam titles - the most of any competitor.
Asked why, he replied: "Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can."
Djokovic said he had "always been a great student of wellness, wellbeing, health, nutrition," and that his decision had been partly influenced by the positive impact that factors such as changing his diet and his sleeping patterns, had had on his abilities as an athlete.
He said he was "keeping [his] mind open" about the possibility of being vaccinated in the future, "because we are all trying to find collectively, a best possible solution to end Covid".
"I was never against vaccination. I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing, hopefully, an end soon to this virus."
Djokovic is, by any measure, a remarkable individual. Raised amidst two wars in the former Yugoslavia, by parents who sold the family gold and negotiated with loan sharks to fund his ambitions, he is fluent in six languages, arguably the greatest player ever to pick up a racket; and - most pertinently - a deeply committed libertarian who believes strongly in individual autonomy.
He has clearly thought deeply about the conflict between individual autonomy and the collective good - and he feels that, as an elite sportsman, his body is his business - in both senses of that word. He says he has an open mind, but as things stand, he will not get the jab.
BBC
Speaking exclusively to the BBC, he said he should not be associated with the anti-vax movement, but supported an individual's right to choose.
Djokovic was asked if he would sacrifice taking part in competitions such as Wimbledon and the French Open over his stance on the vaccine.
"Yes, that is the price that I'm willing to pay," he said.
The 20-times Grand Slam winner was deported from Australia last month after the government cancelled his visa in a row over his vaccine status.
Djokovic, who is the world's number one men's tennis player, said he had obtained a medical exemption to enter the country to play in the Australian Open as he had recently recovered from Covid-19.
However, the country's immigration minister, Alex Hawke, personally cancelled the 34-year-old's visa, on the grounds that his presence could incite "civil unrest" and encourage anti-vaccine sentiment.
"I was never against vaccination," he told the BBC, confirming that he'd had vaccines as a child, "but I've always supported the freedom to choose what you put in your body."
In a wide-ranging interview, his first since he was detained in Melbourne in January, Djokovic addressed speculation about the timing of his positive Covid case in December and discussed his own attitude towards the vaccine.
Djokovic said he hoped vaccination requirements in certain tournaments would change, adding that he was hoping that he "can play for many more years".
But he also confirmed he was willing to forego the chance to become statistically the greatest tennis player of all time because he felt so strongly. Djokovic's rival, Rafael Nadal, has won 21 Grand Slam titles - the most of any competitor.
Asked why, he replied: "Because the principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else. I'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can."
Djokovic said he had "always been a great student of wellness, wellbeing, health, nutrition," and that his decision had been partly influenced by the positive impact that factors such as changing his diet and his sleeping patterns, had had on his abilities as an athlete.
He said he was "keeping [his] mind open" about the possibility of being vaccinated in the future, "because we are all trying to find collectively, a best possible solution to end Covid".
"I was never against vaccination. I understand that globally, everyone is trying to put a big effort into handling this virus and seeing, hopefully, an end soon to this virus."
Djokovic is, by any measure, a remarkable individual. Raised amidst two wars in the former Yugoslavia, by parents who sold the family gold and negotiated with loan sharks to fund his ambitions, he is fluent in six languages, arguably the greatest player ever to pick up a racket; and - most pertinently - a deeply committed libertarian who believes strongly in individual autonomy.
He has clearly thought deeply about the conflict between individual autonomy and the collective good - and he feels that, as an elite sportsman, his body is his business - in both senses of that word. He says he has an open mind, but as things stand, he will not get the jab.
BBC
For me it is a means to be able to leave Australia but I also didn't have an issue with it. I do have an issue with mandating it and the on going booster program. I have had 3 but will not get a 4th!
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We're not an airline but we do fly planes <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Djokovic?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Djokovic</a> <a href="https://t.co/wivO3L2dTp">pic.twitter.com/wivO3L2dTp</a></p>— Ryanair (@Ryanair) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ryanair/status/1493513683087020041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Azzurri
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I am with Djokovic on this one. All these left wing extremelsts are going after joker for his stance against the vaccines
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- 217,715
Novak Djokovic says he had the "best possible experience" in returning with a win at the Dubai Tennis Championships in his first match since being involved in a vaccination and visa saga in the build-up to the Australian Open.
The world number one became the focus of a global story when he was deported from Australia on 16 January because of his Covid-19 vaccination status.
But on his return to action he saw off Italy's Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 6-3.
"A pleasant experience," he said.
After thanking the crowd following his first match of 2022, Djokovic added: "I couldn't pick a better place to kick start the season - it was the best possible experience tonight.
"All in all, it's a straight-set win so of course I have to be satisfied, especially after not playing for two and a half, almost three months."
Number one seed Djokovic saved all seven break points he served against Musetti - the world number 58 - and will face either Russia's Karen Khachanov or Australia's Alex de Minaur in round two.
He beat his chest in a show of emotion after testing moments in the win but, when asked if that was to draw more from him or his team, he told Amazon Prime: "I'll pass on that question.
"It's always in the heat of the battle, the atmosphere where you need to get that energy out. Sometimes you are frustrated with yourself, your game, the things that are happening."
He later said he had received a "very friendly" welcome back to competition by the "majority" of players.
He added: "I'm very thankful for that because having the kind of an understanding at least, I would say, if not support from my peers and my colleagues, is very important to me because they are the people that I get to see sometimes more than my family.
"I care greatly about the relationships that we have."
Djokovic last week told BBC News he would rather miss out on future tennis trophies than be forced to get a Covid vaccine.
His interview came after widespread coverage of his deportation and scrutiny of documents his legal team used in court to say he was medically exempt from needing a vaccine to enter Australia.
Asked about his image in light of the controversies, he said: "I really don't know. Of course, there were not many positive articles about this whole situation in the last month or so.
"I think things are maybe shifting a little bit - I'm hoping so - but I understand there's still a lot of speculations and people questioning."
BBC
The world number one became the focus of a global story when he was deported from Australia on 16 January because of his Covid-19 vaccination status.
But on his return to action he saw off Italy's Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 6-3.
"A pleasant experience," he said.
After thanking the crowd following his first match of 2022, Djokovic added: "I couldn't pick a better place to kick start the season - it was the best possible experience tonight.
"All in all, it's a straight-set win so of course I have to be satisfied, especially after not playing for two and a half, almost three months."
Number one seed Djokovic saved all seven break points he served against Musetti - the world number 58 - and will face either Russia's Karen Khachanov or Australia's Alex de Minaur in round two.
He beat his chest in a show of emotion after testing moments in the win but, when asked if that was to draw more from him or his team, he told Amazon Prime: "I'll pass on that question.
"It's always in the heat of the battle, the atmosphere where you need to get that energy out. Sometimes you are frustrated with yourself, your game, the things that are happening."
He later said he had received a "very friendly" welcome back to competition by the "majority" of players.
He added: "I'm very thankful for that because having the kind of an understanding at least, I would say, if not support from my peers and my colleagues, is very important to me because they are the people that I get to see sometimes more than my family.
"I care greatly about the relationships that we have."
Djokovic last week told BBC News he would rather miss out on future tennis trophies than be forced to get a Covid vaccine.
His interview came after widespread coverage of his deportation and scrutiny of documents his legal team used in court to say he was medically exempt from needing a vaccine to enter Australia.
Asked about his image in light of the controversies, he said: "I really don't know. Of course, there were not many positive articles about this whole situation in the last month or so.
"I think things are maybe shifting a little bit - I'm hoping so - but I understand there's still a lot of speculations and people questioning."
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Novak Djokovic to lose number one ranking after defeat to Jiri Vesely in Dubai
Novak Djokovic will lose his number one ranking after being beaten 6-4 7-6 (7-4) by Jiri Vesely in the quarter-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The tournament was Djokovic's first of 2022 after he was not allowed to compete in the Australian Open because he is unvaccinated against Covid-19.
The Serb will now be replaced by Daniil Medvedev at the top of the men's rankings on Monday.
"I never thought I would really have a chance against Novak, said Vesely.
The Czech Republic player, ranked 123 in the world, was broken when serving for the match, before winning the second set tie-break to complete an inspired victory.
"It's an amazing feeling," added Vesely, speaking to Amazon Prime. "He (Djokovic) is one of the greatest of all time if not the best."
Russia's Medvedev will be the first player other than Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray to rise to the top of the rankings for 18 years.
Djokovic has spent a total of 361 weeks as world number one, which is a record in the men's game.
Vesely beat the 20-time Grand Slam champion in 2016 on the clay of Monte Carlo and repeated the feat on the hard courts of Dubai.
A Djokovic double fault on break point at 3-3 in the opening set gave the initiative to Vesely, who went on to serve out and take command of the match.
At 3-3 in the second, a fierce Vesely backhand saw him break Djokovic, only for the Serb to fight back and level at 5-5.
In the tie-break, however, another Djokovic double fault at 4-3 down proved costly as he slipped to a surprise upset.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60512757
Novak Djokovic will lose his number one ranking after being beaten 6-4 7-6 (7-4) by Jiri Vesely in the quarter-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The tournament was Djokovic's first of 2022 after he was not allowed to compete in the Australian Open because he is unvaccinated against Covid-19.
The Serb will now be replaced by Daniil Medvedev at the top of the men's rankings on Monday.
"I never thought I would really have a chance against Novak, said Vesely.
The Czech Republic player, ranked 123 in the world, was broken when serving for the match, before winning the second set tie-break to complete an inspired victory.
"It's an amazing feeling," added Vesely, speaking to Amazon Prime. "He (Djokovic) is one of the greatest of all time if not the best."
Russia's Medvedev will be the first player other than Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray to rise to the top of the rankings for 18 years.
Djokovic has spent a total of 361 weeks as world number one, which is a record in the men's game.
Vesely beat the 20-time Grand Slam champion in 2016 on the clay of Monte Carlo and repeated the feat on the hard courts of Dubai.
A Djokovic double fault on break point at 3-3 in the opening set gave the initiative to Vesely, who went on to serve out and take command of the match.
At 3-3 in the second, a fierce Vesely backhand saw him break Djokovic, only for the Serb to fight back and level at 5-5.
In the tie-break, however, another Djokovic double fault at 4-3 down proved costly as he slipped to a surprise upset.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60512757
James
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<b>Novak Djokovic splits with coach Marian Vajda for second time</b>
<I>Former world number one Novak Djokovic has split from his coach Marian Vajda for a second time.</I>
Serbia's Djokovic, 34, lost the number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev on Monday.
The Serb, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, began working with Slovakian Vajda as a teenager in 2006 and the pair briefly split for one year in 2017.
"Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career," said Djokovic.
"Together we have achieved some incredible things and I am very grateful for his friendship and dedication over the last 15 years."
Djokovic and Vajda agreed to part company at the end of a 2021 season in which the Serb won three Grand Slams.
Having been deported from Australia on the eve of the Australian Open last month, Djokovic returned to action in Dubai last week where he lost to Jiri Vesely in the quarter-finals.
Vajda said he would look back on their time together "with immense pride" and added he was looking "forward to new challenges".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60582190
<I>Former world number one Novak Djokovic has split from his coach Marian Vajda for a second time.</I>
Serbia's Djokovic, 34, lost the number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev on Monday.
The Serb, a 20-time Grand Slam winner, began working with Slovakian Vajda as a teenager in 2006 and the pair briefly split for one year in 2017.
"Marian has been by my side during the most important and memorable moments in my career," said Djokovic.
"Together we have achieved some incredible things and I am very grateful for his friendship and dedication over the last 15 years."
Djokovic and Vajda agreed to part company at the end of a 2021 season in which the Serb won three Grand Slams.
Having been deported from Australia on the eve of the Australian Open last month, Djokovic returned to action in Dubai last week where he lost to Jiri Vesely in the quarter-finals.
Vajda said he would look back on their time together "with immense pride" and added he was looking "forward to new challenges".
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60582190
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Novak Djokovic's chances of playing in May's French Open have improved after the country's government eased vaccine passport rules.
Prime Minister Jean Castex announced vaccine passports would no longer be needed to access venues from 14 March.
In February, Djokovic defended his right to choose whether to get the coronavirus vaccine after being deported from Australia in January.
Vaccination is still a requirement to play in the Untied States.
For that reason Djokovic, from whom Daniil Medvedev took the men's world number one ranking on Monday, is expected to miss March's Masters Series events in Indian Wells and Miami.
After France's Castex said "the conditions are met" to "suspend the vaccination pass wherever it applies", Djokovic's next tournament could be April's Monte Carlo Masters.
The 34-year-old Serb lost in the quarter-finals as he played his first tournament of the year in Dubai at the end of February.
Djokovic would be the defending champion if he plays at the French Open, which begins on 22 May.
BBC
Prime Minister Jean Castex announced vaccine passports would no longer be needed to access venues from 14 March.
In February, Djokovic defended his right to choose whether to get the coronavirus vaccine after being deported from Australia in January.
Vaccination is still a requirement to play in the Untied States.
For that reason Djokovic, from whom Daniil Medvedev took the men's world number one ranking on Monday, is expected to miss March's Masters Series events in Indian Wells and Miami.
After France's Castex said "the conditions are met" to "suspend the vaccination pass wherever it applies", Djokovic's next tournament could be April's Monte Carlo Masters.
The 34-year-old Serb lost in the quarter-finals as he played his first tournament of the year in Dubai at the end of February.
Djokovic would be the defending champion if he plays at the French Open, which begins on 22 May.
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With Djokovic looking likely to play in the French Open, you can bet he will be hell-bent on not letting Nadal extend his GS lead and instead equal him at 21.
James
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Djoker could be a bit rusty when he comes back, Nadal is on top form and will be difficult to beat.
I don't think the rust will be too much of an issue because he'll be able to play plenty of clay tournaments. However he will have a problem because it is clay and it is Nadal.
An in form Nadal only poses a problem for Djokovic on clay, everywhere else in or out of form Djokovic licks his lips at the thought of playing Nadal and has done for several years now.
silentkiller187
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Novak Djokovic's name has appeared in the draw for the first Masters Series event of the year in Indian Wells.
The 20-time Grand Slam champion said in a BBC interview last month that he had not received a Covid vaccination.
But that is obligatory for any non-US citizen wishing to enter the country.
Djokovic did not take his name off the entry list before Tuesday's draw, and tournament organisers admit they have not yet been able to find out whether he has a viable route into the US.
British trio make Indian Wells main draw
"Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw," the BNP Paribas Open said in a statement.
"We are currently in communication with his team; however, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) approval to enter the country. We will provide updates in the future as we learn more."
The BBC has also approached his management for information.
There are very few exceptions to US Covid entry requirements, and it seems unlikely Djokovic has recently had the vaccine.
He was deported from Australia in January after the government cancelled his visa in a row over his vaccine status, and Djokovic told Amol Rajan last month that he is prepared to miss other big events in future.
"The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else," he said.
"I'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can."
As the second seed in Indian Wells, Djokovic has a first-round bye and so would not play his first match before Saturday.
He may be hoping there is a change in the US entry rules in the next 48 hours, but if he does have to withdraw then the balance of the draw will be affected.
The seeded players are spread out across the 96 man field, and if Djokovic's name is later removed, that section of the draw will be weaker than the others.
Andy Murray is a potential beneficiary. The former world number one will play a qualifier in the opening round, but would be a potential third-round opponent for Djokovic.
Britain's defending champion Cameron Norrie has a first-round bye, but finds himself in the same quarter of the draw as the world number one Daniil Medvedev and the fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Dan Evans, the 27th seed, also has a first round bye.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60673638
The 20-time Grand Slam champion said in a BBC interview last month that he had not received a Covid vaccination.
But that is obligatory for any non-US citizen wishing to enter the country.
Djokovic did not take his name off the entry list before Tuesday's draw, and tournament organisers admit they have not yet been able to find out whether he has a viable route into the US.
British trio make Indian Wells main draw
"Novak Djokovic is on the tournament entry list, and therefore is placed into the draw," the BNP Paribas Open said in a statement.
"We are currently in communication with his team; however, it has not been determined if he will participate in the event by getting CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) approval to enter the country. We will provide updates in the future as we learn more."
The BBC has also approached his management for information.
There are very few exceptions to US Covid entry requirements, and it seems unlikely Djokovic has recently had the vaccine.
He was deported from Australia in January after the government cancelled his visa in a row over his vaccine status, and Djokovic told Amol Rajan last month that he is prepared to miss other big events in future.
"The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else," he said.
"I'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can."
As the second seed in Indian Wells, Djokovic has a first-round bye and so would not play his first match before Saturday.
He may be hoping there is a change in the US entry rules in the next 48 hours, but if he does have to withdraw then the balance of the draw will be affected.
The seeded players are spread out across the 96 man field, and if Djokovic's name is later removed, that section of the draw will be weaker than the others.
Andy Murray is a potential beneficiary. The former world number one will play a qualifier in the opening round, but would be a potential third-round opponent for Djokovic.
Britain's defending champion Cameron Norrie has a first-round bye, but finds himself in the same quarter of the draw as the world number one Daniil Medvedev and the fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Dan Evans, the 27th seed, also has a first round bye.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60673638
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Novak Djokovic pulls out of Indian Wells and Miami Open over US coronavirus rules
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from Indian Wells and the Miami Open - the first two Masters Series events of the year - because of US coronavirus rules.
Regulations require any non-US citizen to have a Covid vaccination before entering the country.
Serb Djokovic, 34, told the BBC last month that he had not been vaccinated.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner was included in the draw for both events, but has since posted on Twitter that he knew it was "unlikely" he could travel.
He is likely to make his return to the tour at the Monte Carlo Masters in April.
The Indian Wells draw will be less balanced following the late withdrawal of Djokovic, who was seeded second.
As the next player in line to be seeded outside the tournament's top 32, last year's semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov will move into Djokovic's space in the draw. A lucky loser from qualifying will fill the Bulgarian's spot in due course.
Djokovic missed the Australian Open in January, being deported from the country after its government cancelled his visa in a row over his vaccine status.
In an interview with the BBC last month, he said that he is prepared to miss other big events in future.
"The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else," he said.
"I'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can."
By missing the Australian Open, Djokovic was overtaken in the list of overall major titles by eventual winner Rafael Nadal, who secured a record 21st Grand Slam.
Djokovic's first tournament in 2022 came in Dubai in February, where he was beaten by Czech Jiri Vesely in the quarter-finals.
The defeat meant he conceded his world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev, who claimed his first major title at the US Open in September and is the top seed at Indian Wells.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60685794
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from Indian Wells and the Miami Open - the first two Masters Series events of the year - because of US coronavirus rules.
Regulations require any non-US citizen to have a Covid vaccination before entering the country.
Serb Djokovic, 34, told the BBC last month that he had not been vaccinated.
The 20-time Grand Slam winner was included in the draw for both events, but has since posted on Twitter that he knew it was "unlikely" he could travel.
He is likely to make his return to the tour at the Monte Carlo Masters in April.
The Indian Wells draw will be less balanced following the late withdrawal of Djokovic, who was seeded second.
As the next player in line to be seeded outside the tournament's top 32, last year's semi-finalist Grigor Dimitrov will move into Djokovic's space in the draw. A lucky loser from qualifying will fill the Bulgarian's spot in due course.
Djokovic missed the Australian Open in January, being deported from the country after its government cancelled his visa in a row over his vaccine status.
In an interview with the BBC last month, he said that he is prepared to miss other big events in future.
"The principles of decision making on my body are more important than any title or anything else," he said.
"I'm trying to be in tune with my body as much as I possibly can."
By missing the Australian Open, Djokovic was overtaken in the list of overall major titles by eventual winner Rafael Nadal, who secured a record 21st Grand Slam.
Djokovic's first tournament in 2022 came in Dubai in February, where he was beaten by Czech Jiri Vesely in the quarter-finals.
The defeat meant he conceded his world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev, who claimed his first major title at the US Open in September and is the top seed at Indian Wells.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/60685794
James
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<b>Novak Djokovic: Wimbledon champion can defend title as organisers allow unvaccinated to play</b>
Novak Djokovic can defend his Wimbledon title after organisers said players who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to compete.
The Serbian world number one, 34, was not allowed to play at the Australian Open in January following a row that centred around him being unvaccinated.
"The requirement set out by the government to enter the UK does not include mandatory vaccination," All England Lawn Tennis Club chief executive Sally Bolton told a news conference.
"Therefore, while it is of course encouraged, it is not a condition of entry."
Wimbledon takes place from 27 June to 10 July.
After the high-profile saga around the Australian Open, which ended with him being deported because of his Covid status, Djokovic then missed other tournaments including Indian Wells and Miami because of coronavirus rules for entry to the United States.
During that period he also lost the world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev but has since reclaimed it and has been back at tournaments with many countries relaxing their entry requirements regarding vaccination.
Djokovic reached his first final of the year last weekend, losing to Russian Andrey Rublev in the Serbia Open in Belgrade.
Djokovic, who has won 20 Grand Slam titles, told the BBC in February he would rather miss out on future tennis trophies than be forced to get a Covid vaccine.
BBC
Novak Djokovic can defend his Wimbledon title after organisers said players who are not vaccinated against Covid-19 will be allowed to compete.
The Serbian world number one, 34, was not allowed to play at the Australian Open in January following a row that centred around him being unvaccinated.
"The requirement set out by the government to enter the UK does not include mandatory vaccination," All England Lawn Tennis Club chief executive Sally Bolton told a news conference.
"Therefore, while it is of course encouraged, it is not a condition of entry."
Wimbledon takes place from 27 June to 10 July.
After the high-profile saga around the Australian Open, which ended with him being deported because of his Covid status, Djokovic then missed other tournaments including Indian Wells and Miami because of coronavirus rules for entry to the United States.
During that period he also lost the world number one ranking to Russian Daniil Medvedev but has since reclaimed it and has been back at tournaments with many countries relaxing their entry requirements regarding vaccination.
Djokovic reached his first final of the year last weekend, losing to Russian Andrey Rublev in the Serbia Open in Belgrade.
Djokovic, who has won 20 Grand Slam titles, told the BBC in February he would rather miss out on future tennis trophies than be forced to get a Covid vaccine.
BBC
James
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Superb win for Djokovic. That’s one of his best Wimbledon final wins. He was not even remotely distracted by the relentless antics of Kyrgios throughout the match. Just bludgeoned his way to victory with great flair.
Manunited18
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Surely will go down as the GOAT tennis player when he calls it quits. Also deserves more respect than he gets!
James
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For me personally — the GOAT.
KingKhanWC
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One of the greatest sportsman of all time. For me Roger is the GOAT just because at his best, he would be unbeatable.
But Novak is a bigger inspiration.
After the attacks on him, pressure of getting vaccinated and banned. He returns to Wimbledon like a King without a vaccine. Didnt see the Royals running away from him.
Overall a Russian born, ethnic lady wins and unvaccinated great wins. Very ironic.
KingKhanWC
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Its not sad it was a disgrace to sport. Also the bans on players from Russia and Belarus in Wimbledon.
Sport should stay out of politics, its a uniting force & shouldnt be used to divide.
Cpt. Rishwat
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Hate to say it because I don't really like him much, but I agree.
daytrader
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Wimbledon: Novak Djokovic needed to 'weather the storm' after Australia deportation to win
Novak Djokovic says his fourth-consecutive Wimbledon win has more significance after he needed time to "weather the storm" following his deportation from Australia.
Djokovic beat Nick Kyrgios 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3) to claim his first Grand Slam title since Wimbledon last year.
The Serb was deported shortly before the start of January's Australian Open after a row over his vaccine status.
"Wimbledon historically has come at important stages of my life," he said.
Djokovic has won seven of his 21 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon, with only Roger Federer claiming more in the men's competition.
He was unable to compete at the Australian Open - where he is a nine-time winner - because of not being vaccinated for Covid-19 but arrived in the country after being granted a medical exception.
However, a 10-day saga ultimately led to his visa being cancelled on "health and good order" grounds and he was subsequently deported and given a three-year visa ban after spending time in detention.
"This year started the way it has started and it has affected me definitely in the first several months of the year," the 35-year-old said.
"I was not feeling great generally. Mentally, emotionally, I was not at a good place.
"I realised at that point that it's going to take some time, that I have to be patient, and sooner or later I will get myself in the optimal state."
'Ridiculous' I reached final - Kyrgios
Highlights: Djokovic wins seventh Wimbledon title
Wimbledon win 'more emotional' after start to year
Djokovic has also missed tournaments in the United States because of his unvaccinated status and had his French Open title defence ended by Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals last month.
However, he has dominated Wimbledon in recent years and has not lost a match there since retiring injured in the quarter-finals in 2017.
"It's not a coincidence that Wimbledon has such relevance in my life and career," he said.
"It's a relief, as well, considering what I've been through this year. It adds more value and more significance and more emotions, of course."
Despite retaining his title, current world number three Djokovic will drop to seven in the world rankings as there were no points available at this year's Wimbledon.
Daniil Medvedev, who was unable to compete at SW19 because of the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, will retain his number one position.
"I doubt that I'll go and chase points," Djokovic said of his future schedule.
"Things have changed in the last year, year and a half for me. I achieved that historic [most] weeks for a number one that I worked for all my life.
"Now that that's done and dusted, I prioritise Slams and big tournaments really and where I want to play, where I feel good."
'Not many people could still play tennis after Australia'
As it stands, Djokovic will not be able to compete at the US Open because non-residents who are not vaccinated are not allowed to enter the United States.
Djokovic said that an exemption allowing him to enter the United States was "not realistically possible".
"I'm not vaccinated and I'm not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or exemption," he said.
"I don't know what exemption would be about. I don't have much answers there."
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, who has coached Djokovic since 2019, said it was "heroic" his charge had returned to tennis after his problems in Australia.
"People, after that they never come back to tennis or to anything," the Croat said.
"[It is] unbelievable how he recovered and how he got through that. It's really, for me, heroic because it was not easy to digest all the things and come back to play tennis.
"Now it's better. You know where you can go, where you cannot go. It's easier."
BBC Sports
Novak Djokovic says his fourth-consecutive Wimbledon win has more significance after he needed time to "weather the storm" following his deportation from Australia.
Djokovic beat Nick Kyrgios 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3) to claim his first Grand Slam title since Wimbledon last year.
The Serb was deported shortly before the start of January's Australian Open after a row over his vaccine status.
"Wimbledon historically has come at important stages of my life," he said.
Djokovic has won seven of his 21 Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon, with only Roger Federer claiming more in the men's competition.
He was unable to compete at the Australian Open - where he is a nine-time winner - because of not being vaccinated for Covid-19 but arrived in the country after being granted a medical exception.
However, a 10-day saga ultimately led to his visa being cancelled on "health and good order" grounds and he was subsequently deported and given a three-year visa ban after spending time in detention.
"This year started the way it has started and it has affected me definitely in the first several months of the year," the 35-year-old said.
"I was not feeling great generally. Mentally, emotionally, I was not at a good place.
"I realised at that point that it's going to take some time, that I have to be patient, and sooner or later I will get myself in the optimal state."
'Ridiculous' I reached final - Kyrgios
Highlights: Djokovic wins seventh Wimbledon title
Wimbledon win 'more emotional' after start to year
Djokovic has also missed tournaments in the United States because of his unvaccinated status and had his French Open title defence ended by Rafael Nadal in the quarter-finals last month.
However, he has dominated Wimbledon in recent years and has not lost a match there since retiring injured in the quarter-finals in 2017.
"It's not a coincidence that Wimbledon has such relevance in my life and career," he said.
"It's a relief, as well, considering what I've been through this year. It adds more value and more significance and more emotions, of course."
Despite retaining his title, current world number three Djokovic will drop to seven in the world rankings as there were no points available at this year's Wimbledon.
Daniil Medvedev, who was unable to compete at SW19 because of the ban on Russian and Belarusian players, will retain his number one position.
"I doubt that I'll go and chase points," Djokovic said of his future schedule.
"Things have changed in the last year, year and a half for me. I achieved that historic [most] weeks for a number one that I worked for all my life.
"Now that that's done and dusted, I prioritise Slams and big tournaments really and where I want to play, where I feel good."
'Not many people could still play tennis after Australia'
As it stands, Djokovic will not be able to compete at the US Open because non-residents who are not vaccinated are not allowed to enter the United States.
Djokovic said that an exemption allowing him to enter the United States was "not realistically possible".
"I'm not vaccinated and I'm not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or exemption," he said.
"I don't know what exemption would be about. I don't have much answers there."
Former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanisevic, who has coached Djokovic since 2019, said it was "heroic" his charge had returned to tennis after his problems in Australia.
"People, after that they never come back to tennis or to anything," the Croat said.
"[It is] unbelievable how he recovered and how he got through that. It's really, for me, heroic because it was not easy to digest all the things and come back to play tennis.
"Now it's better. You know where you can go, where you cannot go. It's easier."
BBC Sports
JaDed
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Same here.. I respect Nadal but Novak is GOAT for me.
JaDed
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I don’t see him being allowed for US and Australian open. which is unfortunate because many in US are not vaccinated.
dildilpak
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Enough of these Covid restrictions- nobody in US cares about this **** these days. The world ought to move past these restrictions phase as Covid has now become endemic & even more benign than the flu.
Manunited18
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US as well? Agree that would be a real shame, Federer Rafa Nowak have all given us unblievable levels of elite performances, for me when they finally retire it will be Nowak who will go down as the GOAT of tennis.
JaDed
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Yeah most likely he won’t be allowed. Novak is GOAT for me, don’t care outside the court how his behavior is but the guy is an absolute champ!
https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/34223436/wimbledon-champion-novak-djokovic-not-planning-get-vaccinated-set-skip-us-open
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Novak Djokovic unlikely to play US Open with Grand Slam to 'respect' government vaccine rules
Novak Djokovic is unlikely to play at the US Open after organisers said they would "respect" American government rules over travel for unvaccinated players.
The US requires non-citizens to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter.
Djokovic is not vaccinated and missed the Australian Open earlier this year for that reason.
The 35-year-old Serb won the Wimbledon title in July and said that he would "wait hopefully for some good news".
The tournament in New York takes place from 29 August to 11 September.
Three-time US Open champion Djokovic has been named on the entry list for the final Grand Slam of the year but that is routine, rather than an indication that he will be allowed to play.
A statement from the tournament, which does not have its own vaccination rules, read: "Per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are automatically entered into the men's and women's singles main draw fields based on ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event.
"The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the US government's position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens."
Djokovic's win at Wimbledon took him to 21 Grand Slam titles, one behind Rafael Nadal on 22.
BBC Sports
Novak Djokovic is unlikely to play at the US Open after organisers said they would "respect" American government rules over travel for unvaccinated players.
The US requires non-citizens to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to enter.
Djokovic is not vaccinated and missed the Australian Open earlier this year for that reason.
The 35-year-old Serb won the Wimbledon title in July and said that he would "wait hopefully for some good news".
The tournament in New York takes place from 29 August to 11 September.
Three-time US Open champion Djokovic has been named on the entry list for the final Grand Slam of the year but that is routine, rather than an indication that he will be allowed to play.
A statement from the tournament, which does not have its own vaccination rules, read: "Per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are automatically entered into the men's and women's singles main draw fields based on ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event.
"The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the US government's position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-US citizens."
Djokovic's win at Wimbledon took him to 21 Grand Slam titles, one behind Rafael Nadal on 22.
BBC Sports
SpiritOf1903
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July 30 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic said he is preparing for the U.S. Open as if he will be allowed to compete at the hardcourt major, despite his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Djokovic, who has three U.S. Open titles, will not be able to participate at this year's U.S. Open due to current rules under which travellers seeking to enter the U.S. have to be fully vaccinated and provide a proof before boarding flights.
Earlier this month, the 35-year-old was included in the entry list for the Aug. 29-Sept. 11 Grand Slam in New York. read more
"I am preparing as if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to U.S.," Djokovic said in a post on Instagram along with a video of him practising.
"Fingers crossed!"
More than 43,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to work with the U.S. government to allow 21-times major champion Djokovic to compete in the U.S. Open.
Djokovic won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles last year but was unable to defend his Melbourne Park crown this year after being deported from Australia over his vaccination status in January.
The Serbian later said he was prepared to miss Grand Slam tournaments rather than take the COVID-19 vaccine.
Djokovic, who has three U.S. Open titles, will not be able to participate at this year's U.S. Open due to current rules under which travellers seeking to enter the U.S. have to be fully vaccinated and provide a proof before boarding flights.
Earlier this month, the 35-year-old was included in the entry list for the Aug. 29-Sept. 11 Grand Slam in New York. read more
"I am preparing as if I will be allowed to compete, while I await to hear if there is any room for me to travel to U.S.," Djokovic said in a post on Instagram along with a video of him practising.
"Fingers crossed!"
More than 43,000 people have signed an online petition calling for the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to work with the U.S. government to allow 21-times major champion Djokovic to compete in the U.S. Open.
Djokovic won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon titles last year but was unable to defend his Melbourne Park crown this year after being deported from Australia over his vaccination status in January.
The Serbian later said he was prepared to miss Grand Slam tournaments rather than take the COVID-19 vaccine.
daytrader
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Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's US Open tune-up event in Canada as he cannot enter the country without being fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
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Finishing with the most men's Grand Slam singles titles is Novak Djokovic's ultimate career goal.
The Serb won his 21st major title with victory at Wimbledon in July, leaving him one behind Rafael Nadal's all-time men's record.
But Djokovic's decision not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 has meant he has missed opportunities this year to add to his haul.
The nine-time Australian Open champion was unable to play in Melbourne and could also be missing at the US Open, although the 35-year-old recently said he had his "fingers crossed" he will be in the draw when the Grand Slam starts on 29 August.
Can Djokovic play in the US Open?
As it stands, no.
Djokovic, who was still on the US Open entry list on Monday, has not been vaccinated against Covid-19 and since October 2021 the United States has not allowed non-vaccinated visitors to enter the country.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is the nation's health protection agency, demands a non-US citizen must "show proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19" before travelling by air from a foreign country.
BBC
The Serb won his 21st major title with victory at Wimbledon in July, leaving him one behind Rafael Nadal's all-time men's record.
But Djokovic's decision not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 has meant he has missed opportunities this year to add to his haul.
The nine-time Australian Open champion was unable to play in Melbourne and could also be missing at the US Open, although the 35-year-old recently said he had his "fingers crossed" he will be in the draw when the Grand Slam starts on 29 August.
Can Djokovic play in the US Open?
As it stands, no.
Djokovic, who was still on the US Open entry list on Monday, has not been vaccinated against Covid-19 and since October 2021 the United States has not allowed non-vaccinated visitors to enter the country.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is the nation's health protection agency, demands a non-US citizen must "show proof of being fully vaccinated against Covid-19" before travelling by air from a foreign country.
BBC
SpiritOf1903
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Would probably be on 23 minimum if played all Slams and maybe Nadal doesn't win Aus
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Novak Djokovic says he will be unable to travel to New York for the US Open, which begins on Monday.
Djokovic did not defend his Australian Open title in January because his Covid-19 vaccination status led to him being deported from the country.
Djokovic did not defend his Australian Open title in January because his Covid-19 vaccination status led to him being deported from the country.
SalimBhai
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Good news.
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This is ridiculous. If he is Tested and he is negative, then he should be allowed to play.
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Australian Open: Novak Djokovic 'welcome' to compete if he can obtain visa
The Australian Open cannot press its country's government into allowing Novak Djokovic to play in January's opening Grand Slam event of 2023, says tournament director Craig Tiley.
Nine-time winner Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against Covid-19, is banned from re-entering Australia until 2025 after he was deported this year.
The Australian government can waive the ban at its discretion.
"It's not a matter we can lobby on," said Tiley.
"Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation and then we'll follow any instruction after that.
"It's a matter that definitely stays between the two of them and then depending on the outcome of that we would welcome him to the Australian Open."
Former world number one Djokovic, a 21-time Grand Slam champion, also missed this year's US Open because of his vaccination status, following his victory at Wimbledon in the summer.
Australia's former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said this week she was opposed to the government lifting Djokovic's ban, saying it would be a "slap in the face" for Australians who have been vaccinated.
Meanwhile, Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to compete in Melbourne, although Russian players will not be allowed to represent their country.
"They cannot participate in any activity such as the anthem of Russia and they have to play as independent players under a neutral name," said Tiley.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian players are banned from international team competitions.
But despite Wimbledon's ban they were permitted to compete as neutral athletes at both this year's French Open and US Open.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/63225405
The Australian Open cannot press its country's government into allowing Novak Djokovic to play in January's opening Grand Slam event of 2023, says tournament director Craig Tiley.
Nine-time winner Djokovic, who is unvaccinated against Covid-19, is banned from re-entering Australia until 2025 after he was deported this year.
The Australian government can waive the ban at its discretion.
"It's not a matter we can lobby on," said Tiley.
"Novak and the federal government need to work out the situation and then we'll follow any instruction after that.
"It's a matter that definitely stays between the two of them and then depending on the outcome of that we would welcome him to the Australian Open."
Former world number one Djokovic, a 21-time Grand Slam champion, also missed this year's US Open because of his vaccination status, following his victory at Wimbledon in the summer.
Australia's former Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews said this week she was opposed to the government lifting Djokovic's ban, saying it would be a "slap in the face" for Australians who have been vaccinated.
Meanwhile, Russian and Belarusian players will be allowed to compete in Melbourne, although Russian players will not be allowed to represent their country.
"They cannot participate in any activity such as the anthem of Russia and they have to play as independent players under a neutral name," said Tiley.
Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian players are banned from international team competitions.
But despite Wimbledon's ban they were permitted to compete as neutral athletes at both this year's French Open and US Open.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/63225405
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The path has been cleared for Novak Djokovic to play in the Australian Open, after the Australian government overturned a visa ban.
The Serbian tennis star was detained in January over his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid.
He was deported from the country 10 days later, despite mounting a successful legal challenge.
At times dubbed "Fortress Australia", the country had some of the strictest pandemic restrictions in the world.
When Djokovic arrived in Australia in January, Covid cases were skyrocketing and government rules required anyone entering the country be vaccinated, unless they had a valid medication exemption.
He did not meet the requirements for entry, the government said, so his visa was cancelled and he was automatically banned from entering the country for three years.
But Immigration Minister Andrew Giles - whose government came to power in May - has overturned the ban and is set to grant Mr Djokovic a visa, the BBC has confirmed.
Speaking speaking earlier Tuesday, Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said he was confident that Djokovic would play in next year's Open.
"I know Novak wants to come and play and to get back to competing," he told the Australian Associated Press.
"He loves Australia and it's where he's had the best success."
The tennis champion earlier this year told the BBC he flew into Australia believing he had obtained the medical exemptions required.
But he was detained and questioned by border officials in Melbourne on 5 January, and his visa was cancelled in the early hours of the following morning.
Djokovic was taken to a notorious immigration detention hotel, where he remained as he challenged the decision in court.
The court later overturned the decision to cancel his visa, but then-Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used special discretionary powers to cancel it again, arguing it was "in the public interest" to do so.
In court documents, Mr Hawke said Djokovic was "perceived by some as a talisman of a community of anti-vaccine sentiment" and his presences in the could lead to "civil unrest".
Many in Australia cheered the decision but it also sparked an uproar among supporters who gathered outside his hotel, as well as in Serbia.
BBC
The Serbian tennis star was detained in January over his refusal to be vaccinated against Covid.
He was deported from the country 10 days later, despite mounting a successful legal challenge.
At times dubbed "Fortress Australia", the country had some of the strictest pandemic restrictions in the world.
When Djokovic arrived in Australia in January, Covid cases were skyrocketing and government rules required anyone entering the country be vaccinated, unless they had a valid medication exemption.
He did not meet the requirements for entry, the government said, so his visa was cancelled and he was automatically banned from entering the country for three years.
But Immigration Minister Andrew Giles - whose government came to power in May - has overturned the ban and is set to grant Mr Djokovic a visa, the BBC has confirmed.
Speaking speaking earlier Tuesday, Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley said he was confident that Djokovic would play in next year's Open.
"I know Novak wants to come and play and to get back to competing," he told the Australian Associated Press.
"He loves Australia and it's where he's had the best success."
The tennis champion earlier this year told the BBC he flew into Australia believing he had obtained the medical exemptions required.
But he was detained and questioned by border officials in Melbourne on 5 January, and his visa was cancelled in the early hours of the following morning.
Djokovic was taken to a notorious immigration detention hotel, where he remained as he challenged the decision in court.
The court later overturned the decision to cancel his visa, but then-Immigration Minister Alex Hawke used special discretionary powers to cancel it again, arguing it was "in the public interest" to do so.
In court documents, Mr Hawke said Djokovic was "perceived by some as a talisman of a community of anti-vaccine sentiment" and his presences in the could lead to "civil unrest".
Many in Australia cheered the decision but it also sparked an uproar among supporters who gathered outside his hotel, as well as in Serbia.
BBC
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Novak Djokovic will play in January's Adelaide International, a year after being deported from Australia because of his Covid-19 vaccination status.
The Serb, who has won a record nine Australian Open titles, is also set to compete at the first Grand Slam of the year after his visa ban was overturned.
Britain's Andy Murray, Kyle Edmund and Jack Draper will also play in Adelaide, with the event beginning on 1 January.
The Australian Open starts 15 days later in Melbourne.
The Serb, who has won a record nine Australian Open titles, is also set to compete at the first Grand Slam of the year after his visa ban was overturned.
Britain's Andy Murray, Kyle Edmund and Jack Draper will also play in Adelaide, with the event beginning on 1 January.
The Australian Open starts 15 days later in Melbourne.
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Novak Djokovic: Serb lands in Australia after ban overturned
Novak Djokovic has been welcomed back into Australia almost a year after he was deported over his Covid vaccine status.
Officials confirmed the 21-time Grand Slam champion, 35, had landed in the country for January's Australian Open.
Serb Djokovic, a nine-time Australian Open winner, had an automatic three-year visa ban overturned in November.
"I think that he is going to be again the player to beat," said Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley.
Last January, when Djokovic arrived in Australia for the 2022 tournament, Covid cases were skyrocketing and government rules required anyone entering the country to be vaccinated - unless they had a valid medication exemption.
Djokovic, who was detained by the Australian Border Force on entering the country and forced to stay at an immigration hotel, claimed he had obtained a medical exemption to defend his title without being vaccinated because he had recently recovered from Covid-19.
However, after 10 days of legal argument, the government ruled he did not meet the requirements for entry, so his visa was cancelled and he was automatically not allowed to return to Australia until 2025.
Djokovic's detention dominated the headlines in the build-up to the tournament, with crowds gathering outside his hotel campaigning for and against his eventual deportation.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles - whose government came to power in May - overturned the ban last month and Djokovic said he was "very happy" on hearing the news.
Tiley said he did not expect a backlash to the player's return and added: "We welcome him back to Australia.
"I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public. I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react how we hope they will react."
Djokovic, the world number five, said in November he was relieved to be able to return to Melbourne.
"[The] Australian Open has been my most successful Grand Slam," he added. "I made some of the best memories there.
"Of course, I want to go back there, I want to play tennis, do what I do best, hopefully have a great Australian summer."
Djokovic, who is one Grand Slam title behind Rafael Nadal's record of 22, is scheduled to play in the Adelaide International, beginning Sunday, with the Australian Open starting in Melbourne on 16 January.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/64101511
Novak Djokovic has been welcomed back into Australia almost a year after he was deported over his Covid vaccine status.
Officials confirmed the 21-time Grand Slam champion, 35, had landed in the country for January's Australian Open.
Serb Djokovic, a nine-time Australian Open winner, had an automatic three-year visa ban overturned in November.
"I think that he is going to be again the player to beat," said Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley.
Last January, when Djokovic arrived in Australia for the 2022 tournament, Covid cases were skyrocketing and government rules required anyone entering the country to be vaccinated - unless they had a valid medication exemption.
Djokovic, who was detained by the Australian Border Force on entering the country and forced to stay at an immigration hotel, claimed he had obtained a medical exemption to defend his title without being vaccinated because he had recently recovered from Covid-19.
However, after 10 days of legal argument, the government ruled he did not meet the requirements for entry, so his visa was cancelled and he was automatically not allowed to return to Australia until 2025.
Djokovic's detention dominated the headlines in the build-up to the tournament, with crowds gathering outside his hotel campaigning for and against his eventual deportation.
Immigration Minister Andrew Giles - whose government came to power in May - overturned the ban last month and Djokovic said he was "very happy" on hearing the news.
Tiley said he did not expect a backlash to the player's return and added: "We welcome him back to Australia.
"I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public. I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react how we hope they will react."
Djokovic, the world number five, said in November he was relieved to be able to return to Melbourne.
"[The] Australian Open has been my most successful Grand Slam," he added. "I made some of the best memories there.
"Of course, I want to go back there, I want to play tennis, do what I do best, hopefully have a great Australian summer."
Djokovic, who is one Grand Slam title behind Rafael Nadal's record of 22, is scheduled to play in the Adelaide International, beginning Sunday, with the Australian Open starting in Melbourne on 16 January.
https://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis/64101511
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Novak Djokovic says his deportation from Australia will stay with him for the rest of his life.
Djokovic, 35, was detained and sent home in January due to his Covid-19 vaccine status after trying to enter the country to compete at the Australian Open.
But he overturned a three-year ban on applying for a visa in November and will compete in the 2023 tournament.
"You can't forget those events," Djokovic said.
"It's one of these things that sticks with you, it stays with you for I guess the rest of your life.
"It was something that I've never experienced before, and hopefully never again."
The Serb admitted: "It is a valuable life experience for me. I have to move on. Coming back to Australia speaks how I feel about this country, how I feel about playing here.
"I was really hoping that I'm going to have my permission back to get back into Australia and play here because it's a country where I've had tremendous success in my career."
Bbc
Djokovic, 35, was detained and sent home in January due to his Covid-19 vaccine status after trying to enter the country to compete at the Australian Open.
But he overturned a three-year ban on applying for a visa in November and will compete in the 2023 tournament.
"You can't forget those events," Djokovic said.
"It's one of these things that sticks with you, it stays with you for I guess the rest of your life.
"It was something that I've never experienced before, and hopefully never again."
The Serb admitted: "It is a valuable life experience for me. I have to move on. Coming back to Australia speaks how I feel about this country, how I feel about playing here.
"I was really hoping that I'm going to have my permission back to get back into Australia and play here because it's a country where I've had tremendous success in my career."
Bbc
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Novak Djokovic received a positive welcome back to Australia as he made a rare doubles appearances at the Adelaide International.
The Serb was deported prior to the 2022 Australian Open because of his Covid-19 vaccination status.
Djokovic's three-year visa ban was overturned in November, allowing him to enter the country.
He and Canada's Vasek Pospisil were beaten 4-6 6-3 10-5 by Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar on his return.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion enjoyed overwhelming support from the crowd throughout the match, greeted by cheers and chants of "Novak, Novak" as he made his way on to court.
The 35-year-old, currently ranked world number five, stayed behind after the defeat to sign autographs and take photographs with fans.
He is top seed in the singles in Adelaide and will face Frenchman Constant Lestienne in the first round on Tuesday as he continues his build-up to the Australian Open, the first major of the season, which starts on 16 January.
Djokovic is a nine-time champion in Melbourne and is just one Grand Slam title shy of Rafael Nadal's men's record of 22.
Elsewhere in the Adelaide men's singles on Monday, British number three Jack Draper beat South Korea's Kwon Soon-woo 6-2 6-1 to progress to the second round.
Australian qualifier Alexei Popyrin stunned Canada's second seed and world number six Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 7-6 (7-5) while world number 11 Holger Rune, of Denmark, also suffered an early exit at the hands of Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka, who won 2-6 6-4 6-4.
BBC
The Serb was deported prior to the 2022 Australian Open because of his Covid-19 vaccination status.
Djokovic's three-year visa ban was overturned in November, allowing him to enter the country.
He and Canada's Vasek Pospisil were beaten 4-6 6-3 10-5 by Tomislav Brkic and Gonzalo Escobar on his return.
The 21-time Grand Slam champion enjoyed overwhelming support from the crowd throughout the match, greeted by cheers and chants of "Novak, Novak" as he made his way on to court.
The 35-year-old, currently ranked world number five, stayed behind after the defeat to sign autographs and take photographs with fans.
He is top seed in the singles in Adelaide and will face Frenchman Constant Lestienne in the first round on Tuesday as he continues his build-up to the Australian Open, the first major of the season, which starts on 16 January.
Djokovic is a nine-time champion in Melbourne and is just one Grand Slam title shy of Rafael Nadal's men's record of 22.
Elsewhere in the Adelaide men's singles on Monday, British number three Jack Draper beat South Korea's Kwon Soon-woo 6-2 6-1 to progress to the second round.
Australian qualifier Alexei Popyrin stunned Canada's second seed and world number six Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 7-6 (7-5) while world number 11 Holger Rune, of Denmark, also suffered an early exit at the hands of Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka, who won 2-6 6-4 6-4.
BBC
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Novak Djokovic defeated Denis Shapovalov 6-3 6-4 to reach the Adelaide International semi-finals where he will face Daniil Medvedev.
Djokovic, 35, will meet Medvedev after the Russian came through his last eight match with Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-3.
The pair last met in November with Djokovic victorious in the final of the Nitto ATP Finals event.
Adelaide is Djokovic's first tournament in Australia since he was deported in 2022 because of his vaccine status.
So far, his progress in the tournament has been serene and he has yet to drop a set across three matches, 23-year-old Canadian Shapovalov the latest to be overcome as Djokovic prepares for the Australian Open which starts on 16 January.
The Serb will target a 10th title - and record-equalling 22nd overall Grand Slam success - at the opening Grand Slam of the year after the Australian government overturned the his visa ban.
Djokovic, 35, will meet Medvedev after the Russian came through his last eight match with Karen Khachanov 6-3 6-3.
The pair last met in November with Djokovic victorious in the final of the Nitto ATP Finals event.
Adelaide is Djokovic's first tournament in Australia since he was deported in 2022 because of his vaccine status.
So far, his progress in the tournament has been serene and he has yet to drop a set across three matches, 23-year-old Canadian Shapovalov the latest to be overcome as Djokovic prepares for the Australian Open which starts on 16 January.
The Serb will target a 10th title - and record-equalling 22nd overall Grand Slam success - at the opening Grand Slam of the year after the Australian government overturned the his visa ban.
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Novak Djokovic received an adoring welcome on his first public return to the Australian Open for a practice match with home favourite Nick Kyrgios.
The 35-year-old Serb was deported before last year's tournament after a row about his Covid-19 vaccination status that divided public opinion.
"I'm very happy. Thank you so much," said Djokovic after walking on to Rod Laver Arena to a rapturous reception.
"I feel a bit emotional. I was looking forward to coming back to this court."
BBC
The 35-year-old Serb was deported before last year's tournament after a row about his Covid-19 vaccination status that divided public opinion.
"I'm very happy. Thank you so much," said Djokovic after walking on to Rod Laver Arena to a rapturous reception.
"I feel a bit emotional. I was looking forward to coming back to this court."
BBC
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World number one Novak Djokovic has failed in his bid to play at next week's Miami Open after being denied entry to the United States.
All he has to do is walk over the border with Mexico and he won't be required to have vaccinations.
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Novak Djokovic insists he has no regrets over missing events due to his Covid-19 vaccination status and has congratulated Carlos Alcaraz for taking his place as world No 1.
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