Novak Djokovic to kick off Australia return at Adelaide International in January

Reuters

Djokovic is one Grand Slam win behind Nadal's record of 22Reuters

Novak Djokovic (35) will kick off his return to Australia at the Adelaide International in January, nearly a year after he was deported from the country over his lack of COVID-19 vaccination.

The world number five, whose visa ban was waived last month, was named in the January 1st-8th tournament's draw on Wednesday.

Djokovic is among four top-10 players warming up for the Australian Open at Adelaide's Memorial Drive Tennis Club, with world number six Felix Auger-Aliassime (22), world number seven Daniil Medvedev (26) and eighth-ranked Andrey Rublev (25) also playing.

The Serb won the season-ending ATP Finals last month and will be favoured to win a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown, which would bring him level with Rafa Nadal (36) on 22 Grand Slam titles.

Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open championship in January after having his visa cancelled on arrival at Melbourne airport and then being deported on the eve of the tournament.

Spaniard Nadal won his second Australian Open title in Djokovic's absence.

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TennisNovak DjokovicAustralian Open ATP - SinglesAdelaide ATP - Singles

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