Novak Djokovic’s return to Australia will come a little later than expected after it was confirmed this week that he will not play in the season-opening United Cup.The Serbian star will be allowed to return to Australia in January. Visa issued by the Australian government.
It will not be featured in the new United Cup, however, and Serbia is missing the opportunity to participate in the mixed-gender team event, which will take place from 29 December to 8 January. On Tuesday, officials confirmed the final two countries to attend the inaugural event. Be it Bulgaria and Kazakhstan.
‘NO WAY’: Australians take a staggering five-year lead in Davis Cup
«WHAT A MOMENT»: Novak Djokovic’s move drives tennis fans crazy
According to reports, Djokovic was not nominated to play at the event, which means Serbia will not be part of the $23 million tournament. Instead, Djokovic is believed to be watching Adelaide International as the starting point for the Australian summer, before a slope towards more grand slam victories in the first major tournament of the year.
Djokovic said last week that he was «very happy» to receive the news of the visa allowing him to go to the record-breaking 10 Australian Open title before it was confirmed in writing to the world. The Serbian star faced a possible three-year ban from the country for his deportation in early 2022.
Immigration Minister Andrew said: «Since Mr Djokovic’s visa was revoked in January 2022, all Covid-19 related Australian border lines under the Biosecurity Act 2015, including the requirement to present proof of COVID-19 vaccine status to enter Australia restrictions removed.» Giles said in a statement: «Mr Djokovic was given a temporary visa to later enter Australia.»
The 35-year-old was facing the possibility of being banned from Australia by 2025, but expressed his satisfaction at the reversal of the decision. «I was very happy to hear the news yesterday,» Djokovic said. said.
Speech in Turin at the ATP FinalsThe Serb added: «It’s frankly a relief to know what happened to me and the people closest to me this year, with what happened in Australia and the post-Australia. There was absolutely no better news during this tournament. The Australian Open has also been my most successful grand slam, some of my best memories.» I collected there.
«Of course I want to go back there, play tennis, do what I do best, hope to have a great Australian summer. Whatever the experience, I’m always grateful for the experiences. be optimistic and positive in life. Looking forward to starting the new year in Australia. I’m looking forward to it and we’ll see how next year goes.»
Fans expected Djokovic to play for Serbia in the United Cup, but his absence from the event, which replaced the previous ATP Cup, disappointed him.
Nick Kyrgios to face Rafa Nadal in United Cup
Nick Kyrgios is next in line for a blockbuster show After a pool draw with Spain for the opening of the Australian United Cup, reigning champions Rafa Nadal and Alex de Minaur and Jason Kubler were the other men’s singles in Australia’s eight-man squad.
However, with de Minaur failing to make it to the quarterfinals of the Paris Masters, it will be Kyrgios who smashed Nadal after the Wimbledon finalist won Australia’s year-end title. According to United Cup rules, the No. 1 players of the two countries will face the respective No. 2 players and two women’s singles matches determined on the same basis.
A mixed doubles match could potentially decide a five-game draw. Kyrgios may be paired with ex-girlfriend Ajla Tomljanovic after being named the #1 female on the Australian team alongside three-time grand slam finalists Zoe Hives, Maddison Inglis and double stars John Peers and Sam Stosur.
United Cup officials also announced that women’s World No. 1 Iga Swiatek will be another lead in the first run of the new summer inaugural event. Other notable entries include Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari from Greece, World No. 4 Casper Ruud from Norway, Alexander Zverev from Germany, and Belinda Bencic and Stan Wawrinka from Switzerland.
Brisbane, Perth and Sydney will each host two groups of three countries competing in a one-time trial format. The winner of each group will play off as the city’s winners advance to the final four of the United Cup in Sydney on January 6-8. The next best performing team from the group stages will complete the quartet.
with AAP
Click here To sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest and breaking news from Australia and around the world.
#Novak #Djokovic #sad #statement #ahead #return #Australia