Watch: Novak Djokovic gets grand welcome on return to Australia

The Serbian was deported last year from the Kangaroo nation.

Novak Djokovic received a grand welcome upon his return to Australia and is currently playing in ATP 250 Adelaide International. The main motive for the Serbian star will be to win the Australian for the tenth time. Last year the Australian Government did not allow Djokovic to take part in the grand slam after he refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Additionally, he was barred from returning for three years, but the government lifted the ban and now has made a successful return to the country winning the first-round singles match.

He started the campaign at Adelaide International in the doubles section partnering with Pospisil from Canada but lost in the opening round against Brkic/Escobar (6-43-6,5-10). In the singles section, Djokovic defeated Constant Lestienne from France in a straight set (6-3,6-2). In both matches, the crowd accumulated large numbers and showed full support for the Serbian star.

Novak Djokovic returns to Australia

“It’s great to be back. To see the packed house for my first match was definitely a very pleasant surprise. Lots of support, lots of love," Djokovic later said. “That obviously motivated me and allowed me to express myself in the best possible way on the court with my game.

"A lot of Serbia flags, I know the Serbian community here in Adelaide is big but I didn’t think so many would come and I thank them very much."

This was Novak Djokovic’s first match in a month after winning the ATP Tour finals defeating youngster Casper Ruud. This was also his first tour-level match in Adelaide since 2007 when he won the trophy aged 19. The 35-year-old is slated to take on Q.Halys from France in the second round.

Dennis Shapovalov, the upcoming Canadian star, might meet Djokovic in the later stages of the tournament. Djokovic after this might take part in the other second Adelaide tour event which is not yet confirmed.