In a candid interview, Djokovic speaks about his unsettling memories of immigration control and his hopes for a record 25th Grand Slam title at this year’s tournament.
Djokovic Opens Up on Emotional "Trauma" from Covid Deportation
Djokovic Opens Up on Emotional "Trauma" from Covid Deportation
Novak Djokovic reveals lingering emotional scars from his 2022 deportation as he returns to Melbourne for the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic has opened up about the emotional repercussions of his deportation from Australia three years ago due to Covid-19 regulations, stating that he still feels "trauma" each time he arrives in Melbourne. The Serbian tennis star, unvaccinated against the virus, had his visa revoked by the Australian government on grounds of "health and good order," leading to a five-day detainment at an immigration hotel while he sought to appeal the decision. Ultimately, he missed the 2022 Australian Open as a result of the ordeal.
Djokovic made a return to Melbourne the following year, coinciding with relaxed Covid restrictions, and achieved a historic 10th Australian Open title, an experience he described as emotionally profound considering the challenges he faced the previous season.
As he prepares for the upcoming 2025 tournament, Djokovic expressed that the memories of his past treatment linger, especially when he goes through passport control. “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 shared with the Herald Sun. He added, “I must admit I have that feeling,” about the uncertainty of being detained again.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan focused on the forthcoming tournament, stating that visa decisions were the responsibility of the federal government, implying that those issues were complex and beyond her purview at the time. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has openly criticized how Djokovic's case was handled in 2022, particularly the denial of access to his Orthodox priest during the holiday season.
Looking ahead, Djokovic aims to secure a landmark 25th Grand Slam title when the Australian Open kicks off at Melbourne Park.
Djokovic made a return to Melbourne the following year, coinciding with relaxed Covid restrictions, and achieved a historic 10th Australian Open title, an experience he described as emotionally profound considering the challenges he faced the previous season.
As he prepares for the upcoming 2025 tournament, Djokovic expressed that the memories of his past treatment linger, especially when he goes through passport control. “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 shared with the Herald Sun. He added, “I must admit I have that feeling,” about the uncertainty of being detained again.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan focused on the forthcoming tournament, stating that visa decisions were the responsibility of the federal government, implying that those issues were complex and beyond her purview at the time. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has openly criticized how Djokovic's case was handled in 2022, particularly the denial of access to his Orthodox priest during the holiday season.
Looking ahead, Djokovic aims to secure a landmark 25th Grand Slam title when the Australian Open kicks off at Melbourne Park.
