In brief
As he prepares for the upcoming Australian Open, Novak Djokovic reveals that he still feels "trauma" whenever he arrives in Melbourne, three years post-deportation due to Australia's COVID-19 regulations. The Serbian tennis star, who was unvaccinated at the time, faced visa cancellation based on "health and good order" grounds, leading to a five-day detention while he fought the decision. Consequently, he missed the 2022 Australian Open.
Having returned to Melbourne in 2023 when restrictions eased, Djokovic clinched his tenth title at the tournament. Now back in Australia for the 2025 iteration, Djokovic candidly shared with Melbourne's Herald Sun that passing through immigration reignites his previous fears. "I had a bit of trauma from three years ago," he admitted, expressing concern that he might be detained again. However, he emphasized that he bore no grudges, highlighting his emotional victory the following year.Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan commented on the incident by stressing the Covid implications affecting everyone, adding that visa decisions were handled at the federal level. Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized the old government's approach, notably their denial of Djokovic's access to his Orthodox priest during Christmas, calling it "astonishing." Djokovic enters the tournament aiming to secure a groundbreaking 25th Grand Slam title, an endeavor that continues to shape his legacy in tennis history.
