Australian Open organisers hopeful of positive reaction to Djokovic return: "I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public"

Australian Open organisers are hopeful for a positive reaction to Djokovic's return as polls show the Serbian is better received this year compared to last year.

Not many Australians wanted Djokovic in Melbourne last year as his vaccine stance was not welcomed by people who endured some of the harshest lockdown rules around the world. Public favour has since shifted in his favour however it's still not as high as it used to be before the pandemic.

Speaking ahead of the event, Australian Open CEO Craig Tiley admitted that he has trust in the Australian public and their welcoming ways:

Read also

"Where is Peng Shuai" activists vow to 'make trouble' for Tennis Australia

"I have a great deal of confidence in the Australian public, we welcome him (Djokovic) back to Australia. I think as we speak he’s landing in Adelaide and I think that he is going to be again the player to beat.”

Tiley added:

"We're a very well-educated sporting public, particularly those who come to the tennis, they love their tennis, they love seeing greatness, they love seeing great athleticism, great matches. And I have a lot of confidence that the fans will react like we hope they would react and have respect for that."

Read also

United Cup Schedule confirmed including hotly anticipated clash between Nadal and Kyrgios