Novak Djokovic has launched a staunch defence of his visa application before last year’s Australian Open, insisting he did everything right and “just followed all the rules” before his dramatic deportation from the country.

But as he approaches his return to Melbourne Park, Djokovic has admitted a touch of uncertainty over not just his current fitness but also the prospect of the reception he will receive from the crowds on his return.

In an interview with Channel Nine’s Todd Woodbridge, Djokovic reignited questions about his treatment in the deportation saga before the 2022 event, saying: “Two or three more people that came into Australia 10 days before I did with exactly the same exemption that I had.

“I was just following the rules. My exemption was verified by an independent body and panel of doctors.”

Craig Tiley came under fire as CEO of Tennis Australia and tournament director, being grilled about his handling of the Djokovic situation amid accusations the nine-time champ had been misinformed about the criteria he needed to fulfil to enter the country as an unvaccinated visitor.

“I came in with all the valid papers. Everything got out of hand and then I was labelled this or that,” said Djokovic.

“All of a sudden, I became the villain of the world which was obviously a terrible position to be in as an athlete and someone who is looking to thrive in his own direction of life and profession.”

Djokovic, who won his 92nd tournament at the Adelaide International, reiterated the reception he’d received in South Australia had been fantastic but added: “I don’t know [about Melbourne], but I hope positive. I really hope the crowd will be receiving me well.

“That’s something that I can’t predict, I don’t know. It’s in their hands I guess.

“I’ll try and do my best to perform well, to have the relationship and behave as I always have and try to be a good ambassador of the sport, and hopefully that can be recognised in a good way.”

Meanwhile, the 35-year-old has suffered another scare with the hamstring injury that first flared up in Adelaide and resurfaced after the nine-time champion required treatment throughout Wednesday’s exhibition practice match against Daniil Medvedev at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena.

Djokovic called it a day after Medvedev claimed the first set 6-4 in 36 minutes, but made it sound as if it was merely precautionary.
“It’s a hamstring that I had problems with in Adelaide actually last week,” Djokovic said.

“I just felt it a bit, pulling, and I didn’t want to risk anything worse. So I played a set and then apologised to him (Medvedev), he was understanding, and so I just want to avoid any kind of bigger scares before Australian Open.”

-AAP