Australia to overturn Djokovic visa ban, paving way for Australian Open return
AUSTRALIAN tennis great and reigning champion and two-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic made a surprise appearance at Melbourne Airport in Melbourne on Wednesday night and got an airport meet and greet with tennis great Margaret Court.
At 9.30pm (AEDT), the No. 1-ranked player in the world, in Australia on a three-week vacation, and the Australian Open finalist was greeted by the crowd of supporters, who had waited for hours at the airport.
Court was on a three-day promotional tour to Brisbane for the launch of her new fragrance range, and then in Melbourne, having spent the better part of the previous two days in the city hosting a media conference and meeting with the media.
Djokovic, 24, was on his way to London to play in the US Open.
He then took a break in Barcelona before heading to Switzerland.
Djokovic then missed out on the finals in New York City to compatriot Roger Federer, who defeated Andy Murray in the final, while last week, he was hit by a speeding car on a street in Barcelona, which resulted in a three-month suspension.
Court had been due to make a return to the Australian Open last month to compete for a maiden Grand Slam title, but withdrew from qualifying for the event.
The Wimbledon champion is a popular tennis fan and is a fan favourite at Melbourne Park.
Court’s Australian Open involvement was confirmed during her Australian Open press conference on Wednesday and said she had been forced to pull out of the tournament due to her recent personal issues.
Court suffered a serious injury on a tennis court after a racquet hit her in the pelvis in 2014 and was forced to undergo a spinal operation.
The Court’s spokesperson was unable to comment further on the nature of her injuries or her decision to withdraw from the Australian Open, however, Court did say this morning: “I have decided to withdraw from the Australian Open to ensure my well-being and the well-being of my family.
“I deeply apologise to the Australian Open,