"When we are observing greatness, we respect it and cheer accordingly" - Australian Open CEO praises spectators for positive reception received by Novak Djokovic

Although Novak Djokovic was apprehensive about the crowd's reaction this year in Australia, he was pleasantly surprised and overwhelmed by the positive reception. In light of that, Australian Open director Craig Tiley has labeled the Aussies the "fairest" crowd in the world.

In 2022, the Serbian star was infamously deported a day before his favorite tournament kicked off due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19. He also received a three-year ban, which was lifted last November by the new central government. A couple of months later, on January 29, Djokovic won his 10th Australian Open title and equaled Rafael Nadal's record of 22 Majors.

Read also

2023 BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells Prize Money Breakdown with $8,800,000 on offer

The tennis world was divided after what happened last year and hence, the 35-year-old was worried about how he would be received. But the Australians showered their love for the player every time he stepped foot on the court. Speaking on The AO Show podcast, Tiley revealed that the Serb was nervous when he first arrived in Adelaide.

"This was a particularly emotional year for Novak. I could see the tension on his face when I saw him the first time," Tiley said. "We had met a few times last year and I knew that he was feeling nervous about coming back to Australia. He was very nervous when he first arrived and flew directly into Adelaide. There was a lot of press and talk around him coming in and being booed."

Read also

Nick Kyrgios pays tribute to Holger Rune, claims the Danish star could win several Grand Slams

The 61-year-old further stated that he was proud of the Australian public who produced the loudest of cheers for the World No. 1 and made him feel welcome, adding that they respected the fact that they were "observing greatness."

"You need to give credit to the Australian sporting public that enjoys the sport," he added. "We are the fairest in the world. When we are observing greatness, we respect it and cheer accordingly. That's exactly what happened and he was really welcomed back.

"He went through a tough time last year for a number of different reasons, primarily driven by his own choice. But he came and once he got settled in Adelaide, South Australia did a magnificent job in welcoming him."