Australians to welcome Djokovic back into Australia as a ‘champion’

Institute of Public Affairs’ John Roskam says he thinks Australians will welcome tennis star Novak Djokovic back into the country as a “champion” who “spoke for people around the world”. Djokovic’s visa was cancelled 12 months ago following a legal battle over his vaccination status when he arrived in the country for the Australian Open. The former world number one has since touched down in Australia after being granted entry into the country for the 2023 tournament. Mr Roskam said there will likely be a “divided crowd” in Melbourne. “It was a time when there was no free debate, when there was no discussion,” he told Sky News host Rita Panahi. “It was a very difficult time for Australians and he was able to say something that many Australians didn’t feel they could talk about.”