Novak Djokovic's departure makes way for tennis as Australian Open begins

 The uproar surrounding the tennis star was a major distraction from the build up to the Australian Open that began Monday

In the wake of Novak Djokovic’s departure from Melbourne on a wave of controversy and drama, the city is hoping the world’s attention will refocus on what he actually came for: the first grand slam of 2022. The uproar surrounding the tennis star was a major distraction from the build up to the Australian Open that began Monday, including the potential comeback of Andy Murray or the chance world womens’ no. 1 Ash Barty will be the first local to win her home tournament in 44 years.

For host city Melbourne, the event should be a welcome boost to morale and businesses as Covid restrictions continue and cases keep rising. “As the players have said themselves, they want the focus to be on the tennis and the tournament,” Victoria state deputy premier James Merlino told reporters on Monday. “This is the biggest global sporting event for the month of January, and we’re going to celebrate it for the next two weeks and hopefully see Ash Barty hold up a trophy.”…Read More