World No.1 Novak Djokovic says he wants to return to Melbourne for next year’s Australian Open, while finally admitting he was “selfish” to attend an interview after contracting COVID-19.
The Serbian spoke earlier this week about his deportation from Australia, confirming he has no plans to be vaccinated, even if it means missing Grand Slam tournaments.
Djokovic made headlines last month when it was revealed he attended an interview with a L’Equipe journalist the day after he found out about his positive COVID-19 test.
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Speaking to Serbian TV, the world No.1 conceded he was wrong.
“I admit that it was selfish what I’ve done by attending the interview with L’Equipe,” he said.
“My mistake which I own. I understand that not all people will forgive me and I understand the critics.”
Djokovic sparked a furious outcry on the eve of the tournament with a social media post that stated he was travelling to Australia on a medical exemption.
Despite the furore, he isn’t backing away from what he did.
“I value honesty, it is something I’ve grown up with,” he said.
“I was aware that my name was mentioned in the media in the 2-3 months prior to AO. I wanted to be transparent. I don’t regret it. I don’t know if things would have been different if I hadn’t posted that.”
Djokovic has won nine Australian Open titles and would have been a heavy favourite to make it 10 last month had he played at Melbourne Park.
He says he wants to return to the tournament, although whether that will be possible remains to be seen.
Having been deported Djokovic faces the prospect of a three year ban from entering the country, which could be waived by the government. There’s also the possibility that unvaccinated travellers will still be prevented from coming to Australia when the 2023 tournament is held.
“I want to come back to Australia in the future and to play on Rod Laver Arena again,” Djokovic said.
“A lot of professional and personal beautiful things happened to me there. Despite all this, I have a great connection with Australia.”
In his absence, Rafael Nadal claimed a record 21st Grand Slam title, one clear of Djokovic and Roger Federer.
Having won the title in each of the previous three years, Djokovic said he was confident he could have made it four straight this year.
“Nothing in life is guaranteed, but I did like my chances at AO this year,” he said.
“I feel like I’m in my backyard on RLA. Out of respect to Rafael Nadal who won and to all the players, I don’t dare to say that I would’ve won, but I think I had a good chance.”
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