Novak Djokovic was deported the last time he was in Australia.Credit:AP
Until last week’s development,there was a risk the 21-time grand slam champion would be banned from Australia for three years as a result of those events.
Djokovic will try to win a record-extending 10th Australian Open men’s singles title. He proved he remains a significant on-court force when on Sunday he matched Roger Federer’s record feat of winning the ATP Finals for a sixth time.
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But how Australians will respond to Djokovic when he arrives remains a fascinating unknown,given the significant backlash he faced mere months ago.
“I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian sporting public and our crowds – we’re a very fair crowd. We celebrate success,and we reward that,” Tiley said.
“Of course,we support the Aussies,and we want the Aussies to do well. What a great year we had with Ash[Barty] winning.
“I think the Australian public will enjoy coming to the Australian Open and I think they will welcome all players in a fair way.”