Novak Djokovic said his controversial deportation ahead of last year's Australian Open proved an unlikely catalyst for success in 2022, allowing him to regroup on the practice court before bouncing back with key titles. The Serbian star player trained hard in the months after he was deported and while barred from competing in the United States for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. He later won his seventh Wimbledon crown and capped a year of disruption by winning the ATP Tour Finals for a sixth time in Turin. Back at Melbourne Park after his visa ban was lifted by the Australian government, Djokovic said missing events due to his vaccination stance had renewed his determination on the training court.

"Yes, absolutely. I mean, you normally, as a professional tennis player on the highest level, don't have much time to really have a longer training block," Djokovic told reporters on Saturday.

"The fact that I wasn't playing for several months beginning of last year allowed me to really get together with my team and work on my body, on my strokes, which has later helped me to achieve some great results."

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Djokovic told local broadcaster Nine Network that he felt like "the villain of the world" last year in Melbourne where he was detained at a hotel with asylum-seekers before being deported.

However, he was warmly received by a packed crowd at Rod Laver Arena on Friday night during a practice match against home hero Nick Kyrgios. Djokovic, who will bid for a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown, said he had no choice but to move on from the events of last year.

"Well, you have to. I mean, in a way, if I do hold the grudges, probably if I'm not able to move on, I wouldn't be here," he told reporters. "Also, I have to say that the amount of positive experiences I had in Australia overwhelm the negative experience maybe of last year."

The 35-year-old said he was still cautious about a hamstring strain he picked up in Adelaide and was training lighter than usual to conserve his energy. There was no holding back on his motivation to grab another Melbourne Park crown, though, and draw level with champion Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam race with a 22nd major title.

"That's why I keep on playing professional tennis, competition tennis, because I want to be the best, I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world," said Djokovic, who opens his tournament against unseeded Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena.

"There is no secret about it. It doesn't get bigger than this.

"I like my chances. I always like my chances."

Novak Djokovic said his controversial deportation ahead of last year's Australian Open proved an unlikely catalyst for success in 2022, allowing him to regroup on the practice court before bouncing back with key titles.

Novak Djokovic said his controversial deportation ahead of last year's Australian Open proved an unlikely catalyst for success in 2022, allowing him to regroup on the practice court before bouncing back with key titles. The Serbian star player trained hard in the months after he was deported and while barred from competing in the United States for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. He later won his seventh Wimbledon crown and capped a year of disruption by winning the ATP Tour Finals for a sixth time in Turin. Back at Melbourne Park after his visa ban was lifted by the Australian government, Djokovic said missing events due to his vaccination stance had renewed his determination on the training court. "Yes, absolutely. I mean, you normally, as a professional tennis player on the highest level, don't have much time to really have a longer training block," Djokovic told reporters on Saturday. "The fact that I wasn't playing for several months beginning of last year allowed me to really get together with my team and work on my body, on my strokes, which has later helped me to achieve some great results." ALSO READ: 13-year-old Yash Chawde breaks national record with an unbeaten 508 in junior cricket tournament Djokovic told local broadcaster Nine Network that he felt like "the villain of the world" last year in Melbourne where he was detained at a hotel with asylum-seekers before being deported. However, he was warmly received by a packed crowd at Rod Laver Arena on Friday night during a practice match against home hero Nick Kyrgios. Djokovic, who will bid for a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown, said he had no choice but to move on from the events of last year. "Well, you have to. I mean, in a way, if I do hold the grudges, probably if I'm not able to move on, I wouldn't be here," he told reporters. "Also, I have to say that the amount of positive experiences I had in Australia overwhelm the negative experience maybe of last year." The 35-year-old said he was still cautious about a hamstring strain he picked up in Adelaide and was training lighter than usual to conserve his energy. There was no holding back on his motivation to grab another Melbourne Park crown, though, and draw level with champion Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam race with a 22nd major title. "That's why I keep on playing professional tennis, competition tennis, because I want to be the best, I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world," said Djokovic, who opens his tournament against unseeded Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena. "There is no secret about it. It doesn't get bigger than this. "I like my chances. I always like my chances."

Deporting drama last year helped me taste success later as I worked on my body, my game, says Novak Djokovic

Serbia's Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will take part in next year's Australian Open after being granted a visa. "I was very happy to receive the news yesterday," the 35-year-old Serb, who was sent home from Australia on the eve of last year's event after a row about his COVID-19 vaccination status, said after his victory over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday.

Djokovic crushes Rublev&nbsp;to reach last four of ATP Finals

Djokovic booked his place in the last four of the ATP Finals with a crushing 6-4 6-1 defeat of Russia's&nbsp;Rublev at the Turin showpiece on Wednesday. After the first nine games went with serve, Djokovic switched on the afterburners to outclass Rublev.

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Rublev, who like Djokovic had won his opening match at the year-ender, capitulated when serving to stay in the opener, losing the set as Djokovic thumped a backhand return winner. The second set was a non-event as five-time champion Djokovic roared to victory in little more than an hour.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will take part in next year's Australian Open after being granted a visa. "I was very happy to receive the news yesterday," the 35-year-old Serb, who was sent home from Australia on the eve of last year's event after a row about his COVID-19 vaccination status, said after his victory over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will take part in next year's Australian Open after being granted a visa. "I was very happy to receive the news yesterday," the 35-year-old Serb, who was sent home from Australia on the eve of last year's event after a row about his COVID-19 vaccination status, said after his victory over Andrey Rublev at the ATP Finals on Wednesday. Djokovic crushes Rublev to reach last four of ATP Finals Djokovic booked his place in the last four of the ATP Finals with a crushing 6-4 6-1 defeat of Russia's Rublev at the Turin showpiece on Wednesday. After the first nine games went with serve, Djokovic switched on the afterburners to outclass Rublev. Also read: Novak Djokovic will be allowed to participate in the 2023 Australian Open after ban overturned - Reports Rublev, who like Djokovic had won his opening match at the year-ender, capitulated when serving to stay in the opener, losing the set as Djokovic thumped a backhand return winner. The second set was a non-event as five-time champion Djokovic roared to victory in little more than an hour.

Serbian star Novak Djokovic confirms he has visa to take part in 2023 Australian Open

Novak Djokovic is likely to return to the Australian Open next year despite his refusal to get jabbed. Djokovic was barred from taking part in the tournament earlier this year after arriving in the country unvaccinated. He was later deported and was served with a three-year travel ban putting his future at the Australian Open in doubt.

However, with a new government coming into power after the federal election in Australia in May this year, immigration minister Andrew Giles has reportedly decided to overturn the travel ban on Djokovic if he appeals against it and allow him to participate in the tournament next year.

Djokovic was at the centre of a controversial saga at the Australian Open earlier this year after he arrived Down Under with a medical exemption to take part in the tournament despite not being vaccinated. However, his visa was cancelled and the Serbian ace was held in a government detention hotel before winning his appeal against the decision.

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However, after he won the appeal, Australia's then immigration minister exercised his powers to re-cancel his visa stating that his presence will give rise to anti-vaccine sentiment in the country. Djokovic was then deported back and he failed to defend his title.

But he is all set to return next year. As per a report in Australia's Herald Sun, Djokovic is yet to appeal against his three-year travel ban but the decision has been made to overturn it. Australia's Immigration Minster Andrew Giles has decided "in principle" to revoke the ban when the 21-time Grand Slam champion appeals against it.

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After missing the Australian Open, Djokovic was also barred from taking part in the ongoing US Open 2022 due to his anti-vaccine stand. His only Grand Slam title triumph this year came at Wimbledon 2022 where he defeated Australia's Nick Kyrgios in the final to leave Roger Federer behind by clinching his 21st Grand Slam crown.

Djokovic is currently just one Grand Slam title behind Rafael Nadal, who has won the most Grand Slam singles titles in men's tennis.

Novak Djokovic is likely to return to the Australian Open next year despite his refusal to get jabbed. Djokovic was barred from taking part in the tournament earlier this year after arriving in the country unvaccinated.

Novak Djokovic is likely to return to the Australian Open next year despite his refusal to get jabbed. Djokovic was barred from taking part in the tournament earlier this year after arriving in the country unvaccinated. He was later deported and was served with a three-year travel ban putting his future at the Australian Open in doubt. However, with a new government coming into power after the federal election in Australia in May this year, immigration minister Andrew Giles has reportedly decided to overturn the travel ban on Djokovic if he appeals against it and allow him to participate in the tournament next year. Djokovic was at the centre of a controversial saga at the Australian Open earlier this year after he arrived Down Under with a medical exemption to take part in the tournament despite not being vaccinated. However, his visa was cancelled and the Serbian ace was held in a government detention hotel before winning his appeal against the decision. Also Read: WATCH - Iga Swiatek surprised with her favourite tiramisu inside US Open trophy However, after he won the appeal, Australia's then immigration minister exercised his powers to re-cancel his visa stating that his presence will give rise to anti-vaccine sentiment in the country. Djokovic was then deported back and he failed to defend his title. But he is all set to return next year. As per a report in Australia's Herald Sun, Djokovic is yet to appeal against his three-year travel ban but the decision has been made to overturn it. Australia's Immigration Minster Andrew Giles has decided "in principle" to revoke the ban when the 21-time Grand Slam champion appeals against it. Also Read: 'I don't like you very much': Ons Jabeur lauds 'deserving' Iga Swiatek after her maiden US Open triumph After missing the Australian Open, Djokovic was also barred from taking part in the ongoing US Open 2022 due to his anti-vaccine stand. His only Grand Slam title triumph this year came at Wimbledon 2022 where he defeated Australia's Nick Kyrgios in the final to leave Roger Federer behind by clinching his 21st Grand Slam crown. Djokovic is currently just one Grand Slam title behind Rafael Nadal, who has won the most Grand Slam singles titles in men's tennis.

Novak Djokovic 'cleared to play' in Australian Open despite refusing to get jabbed

Wimbledon 2022 champion Novak Djokovic has been dealt with a huge blow. The Serbian's Covid-19 vaccination is not a hidden fact anymore and his reluctance to take the jab is set to rule him out of the US Open 2022 edition, i.e. the last Grand Slam of the calendar year.

With the tournament organisers set to abide by the US government's guidelines on Covid vaccination, Djokovic's refusal to get vaccinated will eventually prevent him from entering the country for the forthcoming showpiece event. Despite this, he has been named on the entry list. If he doesn't participate in the tournament, the 35-year-old will also miss a golden opportunity to level with Rafael Nadal in terms of most Grand Slam titles in men's singles (22). After the Wimbledon win, over Nick Kyrgios, Djokovic has 21 major titles.

Just after winning Wimbledon 2022 on July 10, the Serbian superstar had pointed out, "I'm not vaccinated and I'm not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or whatever you call it to enter United States or exemption." He added, "I don't know. I don't think exemption is realistically possible. If that is possibility, I don't know what exemption would be about. I don't know. I don't have much answers there."

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"Per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are automatically entered into the men's and women's singles main draw fields based on ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event," said a statement by the United States Tennis Association. "The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the U.S. government's position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-U.S. citizens," it further asserted.

The US Open will kick off on August 29 and the final will be held on September 11. Earlier, Djokovic had missed Australian Open 2022 after he was deported back to his country following the Covid vaccination row.

Wimbledon 2022 champion Novak Djokovic has been dealt with a huge blow. The Serbian's Covid-19 vaccination is not a hidden fact anymore and his reluctance to take the jab is set to rule him out of the US Open 2022 edition, i.

Wimbledon 2022 champion Novak Djokovic has been dealt with a huge blow. The Serbian's Covid-19 vaccination is not a hidden fact anymore and his reluctance to take the jab is set to rule him out of the US Open 2022 edition, i.e. the last Grand Slam of the calendar year. With the tournament organisers set to abide by the US government's guidelines on Covid vaccination, Djokovic's refusal to get vaccinated will eventually prevent him from entering the country for the forthcoming showpiece event. Despite this, he has been named on the entry list. If he doesn't participate in the tournament, the 35-year-old will also miss a golden opportunity to level with Rafael Nadal in terms of most Grand Slam titles in men's singles (22). After the Wimbledon win, over Nick Kyrgios, Djokovic has 21 major titles. Just after winning Wimbledon 2022 on July 10, the Serbian superstar had pointed out, "I'm not vaccinated and I'm not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or whatever you call it to enter United States or exemption." He added, "I don't know. I don't think exemption is realistically possible. If that is possibility, I don't know what exemption would be about. I don't know. I don't have much answers there." ALSO READ | Novak Djokovic extends dominance at Wimbledon: A look at all 21 Grand Slams won by the Serbian ace Our men's and women's singles entry lists have been released. Read more: — US Open Tennis (@usopen) July 20, 2022 × "Per the Grand Slam Rule Book, all eligible players are automatically entered into the men's and women's singles main draw fields based on ranking 42 days prior to the first Monday of the event," said a statement by the United States Tennis Association. "The US Open does not have a vaccination mandate in place for players, but it will respect the U.S. government's position regarding travel into the country for unvaccinated non-U.S. citizens," it further asserted. The US Open will kick off on August 29 and the final will be held on September 11. Earlier, Djokovic had missed Australian Open 2022 after he was deported back to his country following the Covid vaccination row.

Novak Djokovic to be ruled out of US Open as organisers to follow govt's guidelines on COVID-19 vaccine

Novak Djokovic defeated Nick Kyrgios in the men's singles final on Sunday to clinch his fourth straight Wimbledon title. The Serbian ace extended his dominance at the All England Club with his seventh Wimbledon singles title equalling American great Pete Sampras' record. He is now just one short of equalling the legendary Roger Federer's record of most Wimbledon triumphs (8).

The Wimbledon 2022 title is Djokovic's first Grand Slam of the year as he has now closed the gap on Rafael Nadal on the list of most Grand Slam singles titles won by male players. He is now just one short of matching Nadal's feat of 22 Grand Slams but his participation at the upcoming US Open 2022 remains in doubt.

Djokovic, who has maintained a strict stance against getting COVID-19 vaccine, has reasserted that he will not get vaccinated anytime soon. The Serbian ace, who is regarded as one of the best players in the world, said he is not vaccinated and doesn't plan to take the vaccine but would love to take part in the US Open this year.

"I'm not vaccinated and I'm not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or whatever you call it to enter United States or exemption," Djokovic said.

"I'll wait hopefully for some good news from USA because I would really love to go there. If that doesn't happen, then I have to see what the schedule will look like," he added.

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Djokovic has not had the best of seasons so far this year as he had to face immense trouble in Australia earlier this year over his anti-COVID-19 vaccine stance. The Serb was not allowed to take part in the Australian Open and was denied a chance to defend his title. He was also involved in a legal battle against the Australian authorities before getting deported from the country for not getting vaccinated.

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Opening up on the events in Australia earlier this year, Djokovic said he was not in a great place mentally and emotionally but the win at Wimbledon has come at an important time for him in the season.

"Certainly this year has not been the same like last years. In the first several months of the year, I was not feeling great generally. Mentally, emotionally, I was not at a good place," Djokovic said as he opened up on the events in Australia.

"Once I left Australia... (it) caused turbulence inside of me. I just needed time to weather the storm. Wimbledon historically has always come at such important stages of my life and my career. In 2018 when I was starting the year with elbow surgery... this was the first slam that I won and (it) served as a springboard for (winning the next two majors at) the U.S. Open and 2019 Australian Open. I'm always inspired to play my best tennis in London," he explained.

Novak Djokovic defeated Nick Kyrgios in the men's singles final on Sunday to clinch his fourth straight Wimbledon title. The Serbian ace extended his dominance at the All England Club with his seventh Wimbledon singles title equalling American great Pete Sampras' record.

Novak Djokovic defeated Nick Kyrgios in the men's singles final on Sunday to clinch his fourth straight Wimbledon title. The Serbian ace extended his dominance at the All England Club with his seventh Wimbledon singles title equalling American great Pete Sampras' record. He is now just one short of equalling the legendary Roger Federer's record of most Wimbledon triumphs (8). The Wimbledon 2022 title is Djokovic's first Grand Slam of the year as he has now closed the gap on Rafael Nadal on the list of most Grand Slam singles titles won by male players. He is now just one short of matching Nadal's feat of 22 Grand Slams but his participation at the upcoming US Open 2022 remains in doubt. Djokovic, who has maintained a strict stance against getting COVID-19 vaccine, has reasserted that he will not get vaccinated anytime soon. The Serbian ace, who is regarded as one of the best players in the world, said he is not vaccinated and doesn't plan to take the vaccine but would love to take part in the US Open this year. "I'm not vaccinated and I'm not planning to get vaccinated so the only good news I can have is them removing the mandated green vaccine card or whatever you call it to enter United States or exemption," Djokovic said. "I'll wait hopefully for some good news from USA because I would really love to go there. If that doesn't happen, then I have to see what the schedule will look like," he added. Also Read: 'No mean feat': Sachin Tendulkar hails Novak Djokovic after his 4th straight Wimbledon triumph Djokovic has not had the best of seasons so far this year as he had to face immense trouble in Australia earlier this year over his anti-COVID-19 vaccine stance. The Serb was not allowed to take part in the Australian Open and was denied a chance to defend his title. He was also involved in a legal battle against the Australian authorities before getting deported from the country for not getting vaccinated. Also Read: Novak Djokovic beats Nick Kyrgios to win 4th straight Wimbledon title, clinches 21st Grand Slam crown Opening up on the events in Australia earlier this year, Djokovic said he was not in a great place mentally and emotionally but the win at Wimbledon has come at an important time for him in the season. "Certainly this year has not been the same like last years. In the first several months of the year, I was not feeling great generally. Mentally, emotionally, I was not at a good place," Djokovic said as he opened up on the events in Australia. "Once I left Australia... (it) caused turbulence inside of me. I just needed time to weather the storm. Wimbledon historically has always come at such important stages of my life and my career. In 2018 when I was starting the year with elbow surgery... this was the first slam that I won and (it) served as a springboard for (winning the next two majors at) the U.S. Open and 2019 Australian Open. I'm always inspired to play my best tennis in London," he explained.

Novak Djokovic on his US Open participation: 'Not planning to get vaccinated but would love to go there'

Novak Djokovic will not play in the ATP Cup ahead of the Australian Open, where his participation is in doubt because he refuses to say if he has been vaccinated against Covid-19, his team have told Serbian newspaper Blic.

"It is 99 percent sure that Novak won't go to the ATP Cup. He is training here (in Belgrade) but he has decided to give that tournament a miss," an unnamed member of his team said.

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The ATP Cup in Sydney is a team tournament that traditionally kicks off the men's season.

World number one Djokovic could win a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, which starts on January 17, but to enter Australia he and members of his entourage will have to be vaccinated and the 34-year-old has previously expressed his opposition to the vaccine.

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His father Srdjan said in late November that Djokovic would probably not play the Australian Open and accused the organisers of "blackmail".

Novak Djokovic will not play in the ATP Cup ahead of the Australian Open, where his participation is in doubt because he refuses to say if he has been vaccinated against Covid-19, his team have told Serbian newspaper Blic.

Novak Djokovic will not play in the ATP Cup ahead of the Australian Open, where his participation is in doubt because he refuses to say if he has been vaccinated against Covid-19, his team have told Serbian newspaper Blic. "It is 99 percent sure that Novak won't go to the ATP Cup. He is training here (in Belgrade) but he has decided to give that tournament a miss," an unnamed member of his team said. ALSO READ: Five-time Australian Open finalist Andy Murray handed wild card entry The ATP Cup in Sydney is a team tournament that traditionally kicks off the men's season. World number one Djokovic could win a record 21st Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, which starts on January 17, but to enter Australia he and members of his entourage will have to be vaccinated and the 34-year-old has previously expressed his opposition to the vaccine. ALSO READ: Organizing for 2022 has been 10 times harder than 2021, says Australian Open boss Craig Tiley His father Srdjan said in late November that Djokovic would probably not play the Australian Open and accused the organisers of "blackmail".

World no. 1 Novak Djokovic to miss pre-Australian Open ATP Cup tournament