“I hope everyone welcomes him,” Adelaide resident Jane Powell, who competed in the first Grand Slam of the year, told Reuters TV.
“He’s one of the best players in the world, so I’m glad he’s going to be here to see what happens and see how competitive we can make the whole Australian Open. But I’m rooting for Rafa Nadal all the way.” I am happy.”
Australian Open organizers have said any fans targeting Djokovic, who begins his quest for a 22nd Grand Slam on Tuesday to match Nadal against Roberto Carballes Baena, face a possible tournament ban. will be given.
But local supporter Lewis Bielinski believes the crowd will only be respectable.
“I think they’ll be great,” Bielinski said. “I think everybody respected him as a tennis player. Whatever happened. Just carry on.”
Another Melbourne resident, Leigh Harrison, echoed those views, saying Adelaide has shown Melbourne the way forward.
“I was watching the tournament in Adelaide,” said Harrison. “It seemed like she got a really good reception. I think she’ll get a fair reception. I think people have moved on now.”