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Former world number one tennis player Novak Djokovic will begin his Australian Open 2023 campaign in Adelaide, organizers said Wednesday. The Australian Open takes place at Melbourne Park from January 16-29.
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Earlier, Djokovic's visa was revoked on the eve of the Australian Open last year when he was the defending champion. The world number five missed out on his first Grand Slam of 2022 after he was deported following a high-stakes legal battle over his vaccine status. Australia has since removed the requirement for visitors to show proof of Covid vaccination. And the government lifted its three-year ban in November. After that, the government granted him the visa and his name is on the list of players to play in the Adelaide International starting on January 1.
However, Immigration Minister Andrew Giles confirmed last month that Djokovic got the visa to compete in Australia in January. Novak Djokovic has won the Australian Open a record nine times. He was successful in winning the title in the last three times he played here. In his absence, Rafael Nadal won the title this year. Although, Djokovic did not get a Covid-19 vaccination before arriving in Melbourne ahead of the 2022 tournament. But Australia has since lifted stricter rules for unvaccinated travelers.
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Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic will face challenges from Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Andy Murray in the men's draw. At the same time, four of the world's top 10 women will begin the year in Adelaide. Which include second-ranked Ons Jabeur, world number five Aryna Sabalenka, world number eight Daria Kasatkina, and world number nine Veronika Kudermetova.
In addition, the field also includes two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and Grand Slam winners Bianca Andreescu and Jelena Ostapenko.