Djokovic Still Haunted by Australian Open Deportation as New Tournament Approaches
As the tennis world eagerly anticipates the draw for the upcoming Australian Open on January 9, all eyes are once again on Novak Djokovic, a figure marked by controversy in recent years. The Serbian superstar, who faced a tumultuous deportation saga in 2022, reveals he is still grappling with the emotional fallout from that incident.
Three years ago, Djokovic arrived in Melbourne, only to be detained upon entry due to his vaccination status during the Covid-19 pandemic. Following two stints in a quarantine hotel, he was ultimately deported, casting a shadow over his quest for a record 10th Australian Open title. Despite this setback, Djokovic returned in 2023 to claim victory, adding a 22nd Grand Slam title to his impressive resume. However, the memories of his deportation still linger.
In a candid interview with the *Herald Sun*, Djokovic opened up about the lasting impact of his experience. “I have some trauma, to be quite frank,” he admitted. The psychological effects are palpable every time he navigates passport control upon arriving in Australia
“The last couple of times that I landed in Australia… I had a bit of trauma from three years ago,” he reflected. “And some traces still stay there when I’m passing passport control, just checking out if someone from the immigration zone is approaching.”
Djokovic’s anxiety is evident as he contemplates the possibility of being detained again. “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 shared, underscoring the emotional toll of that fateful trip.
Despite these lingering fears, Djokovic has demonstrated resilience. He silenced his critics in 2023 by winning the Australian Open, an achievement he described as one of the most emotional of his career, particularly given the trials he faced the previous year.
“My parents and whole team were there, and it was actually one of the most emotional wins that I’ve ever had considering all that I’d been through the year before,” he said.
Looking ahead, Djokovic faces new challenges. After experiencing his first Slam-less season in seven years, he has made a notable addition to his coaching staff—former player Andy Murray will join him for the upcoming Grand Slam. As he prepares to compete, Djokovic is acutely aware of the stakes. If he fails to reach the semifinals, he risks falling out of the top 10 for the first time since 2019.
With a record 10 Australian Open titles under his belt, Djokovic remains a formidable contender. However, he will have to contend with fierce competition from rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
