After being deported three years ago from Melbourne because of Covid-19 concerns, Novak Djokovic acknowledged that he still has “trauma” when he visits Australia.
When the 24-time Grand Slam champion arrived in Australia for the 2022 Australian Open, his visa was revoked due to his lack of Covid-19 vaccination. With this, Djokovic lost the opportunity to win a fourth straight victory in Melbourne as he failed to appeal the ruling. Rafael Nadal took advantage of his absence to win his second title at the event.
Djokovic admitted to the Herald Sun: “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… And some traces still stay there when I’m passing passport control, just checking out if someone from immigration zone is approaching… The person checking my passport – are they going to take me, detain me again or let me go? I must admit I have that feeling.”
He added: “I don’t hold a grudge. I came right away the year after and I won…. My parents and the whole team were there, and it was actually one of the most emotional wins I’ve ever had, considering all that I’d been through the year before.”
Djokovic later on bounced back to defeat Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the 2023 final, starting a challenging season in which he came close to taking all four major championships.
This year, Djokovic arrived ahead of the tournament, where he will try to avenge his last year’s defeat against the current champion, Jannik Sinner.
Source: Eurosport