Former Australian Open boss Paul McNamee hopes Novak Djokovic can win a historic 10th Melbourne Park title in January after proving himself as a “person of principle” this year.
The Serbian superstar will return to Australia in January, 12 months after being kicked out of the country after the then immigration minister Alex Hawke ruled he had the potential to stir up anti-vaccination sentiments.
Djokovic not only missed the Australian Open, the scene of nine of his 21 grand slam championships, but was unable to play the US Open because he remains unvaccinated against COVID-19.
Novak Djokovic is set to return to play in Melbourne in 2023.Credit:Getty Images
That decision cost him the world No.1 ranking – which now belongs to Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz – and saw his great rival Rafael Nadal surge into the outright lead in grand slam titles won.
But Djokovic has already been given the green light to re-enter Australia and will have no shortage of motivation to succeed at the tournament he dominates like no other.
“He was the best player going in [last summer] and, on form, he is still the best player, especially on hard court, so he deserves to be favourite,” McNamee told The Age.
“I think winning 10 has a special ring to it. The only other man who’s won 10 [at a grand slam event] is Rafa at the French, so I think he’ll be going hard to get a 10th Australian Open, especially after last year.
“I’m hoping he can get it. For me, he’s a person of principle. Not everyone agrees with what his position is, but he stands by his word and missed two grand slams this year.
“That’s a lot to miss when you’re one off winning the most grand slams, so I respect it and I hope he is well received.”
Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley, like McNamee, is optimistic that Australian tennis fans will greet Djokovic warmly despite the high drama leading into the 2022 Open.
For McNamee, Djokovic “paid his dues” and deserves his shot at heightening his on-court legacy.
“People forget that he set up the COVID vaccination clinics in Serbia, and that his own son’s vaccinated,” he said.
“It’s just what he believes for him – but it’s obviously not what mainstream beliefs are, and fair enough. I’m vaccinated and it’s a personal choice.
“I was very disappointed with how it went down … that’s the way it goes, isn’t it? But it’s in the past now.
“I think this is a great Australian Open to be looking forward to, and with the United Cup kicking off the season, I think we’re going to have a big summer.
“Novak certainly adds gravy and gravitas to the whole thing.”
Djokovic said during the ATP Finals in mid-November that he held no grudge against Australia and was thrilled to be returning.
“Australian Open has been my most successful grand slam. I made some of the best memories there,” Djokovic said.
“Of course, I want to go back there, I want to play tennis, do what I do best, hopefully have a great Australian summer.
“I’m always thankful to go through experiences, no matter what the experiences are. I try to be optimistic and positive in life.”
