Novak Djokovic has his sights set on a 10th Australian Open crown despite being deported last month and receiving a three-year ban.
Djokovic expressed his desire to return in an interview with Serbian TV, saying he wants "to play on Rod Laver Arena again".
"I want to come back to Australia in the future," Djokovic told Serbian national TV (RTS).
"A lot of professional and personal beautiful things happened to me there. Despite all this [deportation saga], I have a great connection with Australia."
When Djokovic may be allowed to return to Australia remains up in the air. With the three-year ban still in place, the 20-time grand slam champion will need to apply for special dispensation from the Immigration Minister to enter the country.
Djokovic also expressed his remorse for the choices he made after contracting COVID-19 last December — in particular, the interview he conducted with L'Equipe newspaper.
"I admit that it was selfish what I've done by attending the interview with L'Equipe. My mistake, which I own," he said.
Djokovic cleared to play at the Italian Open
In good news for the Serbian, Italian Sports Minister Valentina Vezzali said Djokovic would be allowed to participate in the Italian Open as outdoor events don't require a person to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
"It is an outdoor sport and the tighter green pass is not required," Vezzali told Italian newspaper Libero on Thursday.
"So if Djokovic wants to come to Italy to play, he will be able to do so. Maybe without visiting hotels and restaurants."
Earlier this month, Italy's government lifted an obligation to wear masks outdoors under most circumstances in response to an improving coronavirus situation.
The Italian Open will take place in Rome from May 2-15, with the new Australian Open champion Rafa Nadal having beaten Djokovic there in last year's final.
Djokovic set to compete in Dubai
Meanwhile, Djokovic received a warm welcome in Dubai as he prepared to make his return to the tennis court.
He posed for selfies with adoring fans and set off on a guided tour of Serbia's national pavilion at Expo 2020 on Thursday, days before he was due to hit the courts.
The pavilion was hosting an event for his foundation, the Novak Djokovic Foundation, which promotes early childhood education in Serbia.
As he ambled into the pavilion surrounded by a sea of journalists, fans clapped and chanted "Nole", his nickname.
"I'm proud to be on this stage," Djokovic said after his wife Jelena gave a presentation about the foundation's work with children.
He said it was often hard to be involved as much as he wanted to be with the foundation given his whirlwind tournament schedule, but admitted with a smile and to much applause: "It's not as busy as it used to be."
AAP/Reuters
