'I want to play again on Rod Laver' - Novak Djokovic confirms intention to return to Australian Open despite visa saga

Novak Djokovic has confirmed he plans to try and make it back to Melbourne for a tilt at a record-extending tenth Australian Open title. The Serb attempted to do so in January, but was deported ahead of the 2022 edition after a long-running saga over his Covid-19 vaccination status.

Ad/> The 34-year-old's visa was revoked by the Australian government despite being granted a medical exemption to play in the year's first Grand Slam as an unvaccinated individual. ATP RomeDjokovic targeting gold at Paris 2024, set to play at Italian Open in May2 HOURS AGO Djokovic admitted that false information had been included on his immigration forms, and to knowingly breaking self-isolation rules after testing positive for the coronavirus in December.

Djokovic, currently in the UAE preparing for the Dubai Tennis Championships, has admitted to feeling negative emotions about what he experienced but, opening up on the topic in recent days, declared he is aiming to play once again on Rod Laver Arena, the most successful court of his career. Talking to Serbia’s state RTS television, the 34-year-old said: “I will always remember it [the Australian Open] for its nice things, because of many unforgettable professional tennis moments and personal ones I experienced in that country.

«Besides everything that happened, I have nothing against the people in Australia. I have a pretty good connection with tennis fans, sport fans and Australia in general – and results itself are proof how I feel every time I go to Australia.

»Of course, this was completely unexpected, with everything that happened and of course it is hard to forget, but I want to return to Australia in the future. I want to play again on Rod Laver Arena." Djokovic targeting gold at