Novak Djokovic has been welcomed back to Australia by the Federal Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, following the news that his three-year ban had been revoked.
However, Dutton also spoke of his hope that the nine-time Australian Open champion regretted some of his behaviour last year.
Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday, Dutton said, "I think it’s appropriate that Novak’s invited here. We’re going to have a great Australian Open. It’s always a great sporting event for Melbourne, for our country". Dutton chose not to block the government's decision to allow Djokovic back into the country.
But he added, "I suspect that in hindsight I hope that Mr Djokovic has some regret about some elements of his conduct and the rest. But the fact is that we’re a couple of years down the track now and it will be good to see him playing great tennis here in Australia".
Dutton was a key member of the team within former Prime Minister Morrison's government that decided to overrule the court's decision to allow the Serb into the country, revoking his visa and thus triggering a three-year ban under Australian immigration law.
The ten-day saga at the turn of this year dominated global headlines in the lead-up to the Australian Open. He attracted little sympathy from Australians at the time, who had endured some of the strictest lockdown conditions in the world, although there were strong pockets of support for the former World No. 1, especially from Melbourne-based Serbians.
It will be of great intrigue to see how Djokovic is welcome on court in the first Grand Slam of 2023, a place that has been home to his most successful tournament.
Whatever is in store in Melbourne next January, this news will be of huge significance and a massive boost to Novak as he currently bids for a record-equalling sixth ATP Finals title in Turin this week.
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