Novak Djokovic is back in Australia after being sensationally deported a year ago - and the controversial star admits he is worried about the kind of reception he will get from the crowd at the Australian Open.

The 35-year-old Serb touched down in Adelaide earlier this week where he will open his Australian campaign at the Adelaide International.

One year ago The Joker was deported from the country for entering Australia while unvaccinated, and was subsequently hit with a three-year ban. 

The 21-time Grand Slam winner has since been granted a visa by the Australian government, but has told Tennis Australia boss Craig Tiley that he is concerned that he may get a negative crowd response while playing.

'We have spoken about (a possible negative crowd reaction) and he, as any athlete, would be would be concerned about it,' Tiley told News Corp.

'But it's one that he's just doing the best that he can as a player. There's a great deal of respect for him as a player, as an athlete, and what he's achieved in the game and continues to achieve.

'And I think the Australian public and community appreciate that.'

Public reaction to the polarizing star was mixed in Australia last January - and the question mark still looms over whether the locals will welcome him back.

Tiley believes the nine-time champion of the Australian Open will be treated very well when he performs Down Under.

'With Novak, I have a great deal of confidence with respect to the Australian community, the sporting community, they do appreciate when they're watching a nine-time champion, a great player,' Tiley said.

'He's coming off 2022 having the best end of the season of any male player and he's going to be difficult to beat.

'I'm relying on that confidence and you know, whatever happens, happens but I think there's going to be a great appreciation of him coming back and playing the kind of tennis he's playing.'

Djokovic told reporters in Dubai last week that he loves making the trip to Australia.

'Over the years I've been really fortunate to start very strong in Australia and I love playing there,' Djokovic said.

'After obviously what happened earlier this year, hopefully I can have a decent reception there and hopefully that can help me play some good tennis.'

The Serb ace will unfortunately not be appearing at the United Cup this year, because when the entries were taken for the tournament he was still banned by the Australian government.

Instead, he is taking part in the Adelaide International as part of his Open preparation.

The Australian Open runs from January 16-29 in Melbourne.