Novak Djokovic trains in Adelaide after return to Australia - in pictures

Nine-time Australian Open champion prepares to begin his new season at the Adelaide International

Novak Djokovic arrives on centre court during a media opportunity ahead of the 2023 Adelaide International at Memorial Drive on December 28, 2022 in Adelaide, Australia. Getty

Novak Djokovic arrives on centre court to practice ahead of the 2023 Adelaide International. Getty

Novak Djokovic arrives on centre court to train ahead of the Adelaide International. Getty

Novak Djokovic warms up with his training team ahead of the 2023 Adelaide International. Getty

Novak Djokovic shares a laugh with his playing partner. Getty

Novak Djokovic playing a relaxed warm-up with his training team. Getty

Novak Djokovic warms up with his training team during a media opportunity ahead of the 2023 Adelaide International. Getty

Novak Djokovic plays a forehand during a training session ahead of the 2023 Adelaide International. Getty

Novak Djokovic plays a backhand on during a media opportunity ahead of the 2023 Adelaide International. Getty

Novak Djokovic hits a forehand during his practice session ahead of the 2023 Adelaide International. Getty

Novak Djokovic returned to Australia on Tuesday and the former world No 1 wasted little time preparing for the new season by hitting the court for a training session in Adelaide on Wednesday afternoon.

Djokovic, 35, was infamously deported from Australia less than 12 months ago after failing in his bid to remain in the country having arrived with a medical exemption for not being vaccinated against Covid-19.

The Serb's deportation also came with a three-year ban from re-entering Australia, although the government confirmed in November that the ban had been overturned and the 21-time Grand Slam champion had been granted a visa, following a change in the Covid-related entry rules.

Djokovic, who last week competed in the inaugural World Tennis League in Dubai, will begin his 2023 season by making his debut at the Adelaide International, starting Sunday, as he prepares to launch an assault on a record-extending 10th Australian Open title next month.

Ahead of the start of the ATP 250 event, world No 5 Djokovic began to familiarise himself with the court and conditions by taking part in a training session with his team on centre court on Wednesday.

Photos from that training session can be viewed in the gallery above. To move on to the next photo, click on the arrows or swipe if using a mobile device.