Novak Djokovic's massive Australian announcement ahead of return
Novak Djokovic appears to have confirmed his participation and return to Australia at the Adelaide International having updated his schedule. In huge news for tennis fans, it was announced Djokovic would be allowed back into the country in January after being granted a visa by the Australian government.
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However, despite the good news, Djokovic opted not to enter in the inaugural United Cup with Serbia ahead of the Australian Open. This left a spot in the diary for a warm-up tournament.
And after weeks reports, it appears Djokovic has announced he will take part in the Adelaide International after the event being included on the schedule on his website.
Djokovic will join Andy Murray as part of a strong list that will participate in the Australian Open warm-up event event starting on January 2. Adelaide will host back-to-back combined WTA 500 and ATP 250 tournaments, with the second editions from January 9-14.
According to reports, Djokovic didn't nominate himself to play in the United Cup event. This means Serbia won't be a part of the $23 million tournament.
Djokovic revealed last week that he was "very happy" to receive the visa news that allows him to go for a record-extending 10th Australian Open title, before it was confirmed in writing to the world. The Serbian star had been facing a potential three-year ban from the country due to his deportation at the start of 2022.
As indicated by the website https://t.co/I7bXnybuel, Novak Djokovic will play the Adelaide 1 ATP 250 pic.twitter.com/LVxw8i4pUv
— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) November 29, 2022
Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray return to Australia
Murray has announced he will start his 2023 season in South Australia as he lines up for his first ever Adelaide International. Murray is set to start his Australian Open preparations early on New Year's Day in the week-long tournament.
The veteran Scotsman has entered along with Italian young gun Jannik Sinner, who is ranked World No.15.
Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka will headline the women's field for both tournaments, with dual Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova to join the line-up in the second week. Former World No.1 Murray, a five-time finalist at Melbourne Park, said he was looking forward to a change in his Open build-up.
"Playing at the Adelaide International for the first time is something I'm looking forward to," 35-year-old Murray said in a statement. "The crowds in Australia love their tennis and they've always been very supportive.
"I've been working hard in the off season and the Adelaide International will be great preparation for the Australian Open."
with AAP
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