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Tennis: No grudges as Djokovic feels 'the love' in Australia

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Agence France-Presse

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img alt="Novak Djokovic at the World Tennis League. Photo courtesy of WTL" src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2022/sports/12/21/20221221-novak-djokovic.jpg"/><figcaption>Novak Djokovic at the World Tennis League. Photo courtesy of WTL</figcaption></figure></div>Novak Djokovic said Tuesday the reception he had received in Australia was more than he could wish for and the good vibes would reflect in his tennis as he targets a 22nd Grand Slam title this month.The Serbian star, who will bid for a 10th crown at the Australian Open, is back in the country a year after being kicked out for refusing to be vaccinated against Covid-19.He was barred from returning for three years, but the government has since lifted the ban and Djokovic made a winning return at the Adelaide International, beating Frenchman Constant Lestienne 6-3, 6-2.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/12/21/22/djokovic-loses-to-zverev-in-world-tennis-league">Djokovic loses to Zverev in World Tennis League</a></li></ul>The 35-year-old was given a warm welcome when he played a losing doubles clash on Monday and received similar treatment on a packed centre court.&quot;It&#x27;s great to be back. To see the packed house for my first match was definitely a very pleasant surprise. Lots of support, lots of love,&quot; he said at a press conference.&quot;That obviously motivated me and allowed me to express myself in the best possible way on the court with my game.&quot;&quot;A lot of Serbia flags, I know the Serbian community here in Adelaide is big but I didn&#x27;t think so many would come and I thank them very much.&quot;Last year&#x27;s Australian Open was overshadowed by Djokovic being put on a plane on the eve of the contest after a high-stakes legal battle over his visa status.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/01/03/23/djokovic-romps-in-first-singles-clash-in-australia-since-deportation">Tennis: Djokovic romps in first singles clash in Australia since deportation</a></li></ul>It left a bitter taste, but he held &quot;no grudges&quot; and had moved on.&quot;It was different coming to Australia this year than any other year basically because of the events of 12 months ago,&quot; he said.&quot;But at the same time, 12 months is also a long time ago, already it is behind me, I&#x27;ve moved on and looking forward.&quot;There&#x27;s no reason to focus on ... what you focus on is what you become, if you focus on the negatives that is what you&#x27;ll become, so I don&#x27;t want to do that.&quot;I don&#x27;t hold a grudge, I&#x27;m here to play tennis, to enjoy sports and spread good energy.&quot;He added: &quot;From day one, people have been very kind and generous with me. Overall, a great experience so far.&quot;Djokovic was also happy with the way he played so early in the season, which bodes well for his Australian Open campaign at Melbourne Park from January 16.&quot;Obviously the first match after a longer break is tricky, you don&#x27;t know how you&#x27;re going to start,&quot; he said.&quot;I&#x27;m glad I could do everything well, I was concentrated, I was composed from the first to the last point.&quot;<div>mp/ssy</div><div>© Agence France-Presse</div>

Novak Djokovic said Tuesday the reception he had received in Australia was more than he could wish for and the good vibes would reflect in his tennis as he targets a 22nd Grand Slam title this month.