Novak Djokovic Reflects on ‘Trauma’ of 2022 Deportation as He Prepares for Australian Open

Novak Djokovic has admitted that he still feels lingering “trauma” when visiting Melbourne, three years after being deported from Australia due to the country’s strict COVID-19 regulations. The Serbian star, who was unvaccinated against the virus at the time, had his visa canceled on “health and good order” grounds, resulting in a high-profile ordeal that saw him spend five days in an immigration hotel and miss the 2022 Australian Open.

Speaking to the Herald Sun, Djokovic described his apprehension during subsequent visits:
“The last couple of times I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration – I had a bit of trauma from three years ago,” he said. “Some traces still stay there when I’m passing passport control… checking out if someone from immigration is approaching.”

Despite the challenging memories, Djokovic emphasized that he harbors no resentment and reflected positively on his return to Melbourne in 2023, when he claimed his 10th Australian Open title. “It was actually one of the most emotional wins I’ve ever had, considering all that I’d been through the year before,” he said.

As Djokovic prepares for the 2025 tournament, set to begin on Sunday, Australian leaders have revisited the events of 2022. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan highlighted the broader challenges of the pandemic, stating, “Covid was tough for all of us. It didn’t matter who you were… Covid didn’t discriminate.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the previous government’s handling of Djokovic’s case, particularly the denial of access to an Orthodox priest before Orthodox Christmas. “I found it astonishing… that Novak Djokovic was denied… the opportunity to see his Orthodox minister,” Albanese said.

Djokovic, now aiming for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title, remains focused on the upcoming competition.