Novak Djokovic on Saturday let bygones be bygones, with the No-vaxx Serb holding no grudges for his deportation as an un-jabbed alien a year ago amid the COVID crisis in the locked-down island continent.
The 35-year-old is back on nearly full form – a right hamstring injury has put a cloud over his preparation – and gunning for a record 10th title at Melbourne Park as play begins on Monday.
The winner of 21 majors stands just one behind hot rival Rafael Nadal, with Roger Federer (20) out of the all-time running after retiring last September.
Djokovic was welcomed unabashedly at a Friday night exhibition “grudge match” with Nick Kyrgios at the Rod Laver Arena, with fans giving him a warm reception.
“The amount of positive experiences I had in Australia overwhelm the negative experience maybe of last year,” he said.
“I was really looking forward to come back and play tennis because that’s ultimately what I do best.
“(It’s) what I always wanted to do, what I wanted to do last year.
“I’m really looking forward to play in front of the people and hopefully bring them some good fun and good vibes.”
Djokovic also managed to find a silver lining to his enforced absence from the Open 12 months ago after being flown out of the country following two court appearances and five days in immigration detention.
“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,” the ATP No. 5 said.
On the injury front, Djokovic understandably played down his hamstring worry.
“I’ve been struggling with that a bit, to be honest, the last seven days. But it’s hopefully not the major concern.
“So far I’ve been able to train, compete and play points, practice sets. So that’s a positive sign.
“Obviously, I’m being a bit more cautious. I’m not going full out on the training sessions, conserving the energy for next week.
“Hopefully it won’t cause an issue for me.”
The fourth seed opens in the first round against Spain’s Roberto Carballes Baena.
