Australian Open: Novak Djokovic says he still suffers from trauma after being deported from Melbourne 2022 due to Covid-19 | Tennis news
Novak Djokovic says he is still suffering from “trauma” when he visits Melbourne after being deported from Australia in 2022 due to the country’s Covid-19 protocol.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner has not been vaccinated against the virus and had his visa revoked by the Australian government three years ago, causing him to miss the Australian Open.
Djokovic returned a year later to win the tournament for the 10th time and will look to add to that at Albert Park when the 2025 edition begins on January 12.
The Serb, who lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals 12 months ago, told Melbourne’s Gazette of Sun: “I have to be completely honest.
“The last few times when I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration – I had a little trauma from three years ago.
“And some marks still remain there when I go through passport control, just checking to see if anyone is approaching from the immigration zone.”
In 2022, Djokovic spent five days in the immigration center because he unsuccessfully appealed the decision on deportation.
Djokovic: I don’t mind
He added: “The person checking my passport – are they going to take me away, detain me again or let me go? I have to admit I have that feeling.
“I have no regrets, I came right after the year and won.
“My parents and the whole team were there and it was actually one of the most emotional wins I’ve ever had, considering everything I’d been through the year before.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said: “Covid has been difficult for all of us. It didn’t matter who you were or what you did, it was a difficult time.
“The pandemic is behind us and what I am focused on is supporting a great Australian Open in 2025.
“We see thousands of visitors coming from all over the world and all over the country to Melbourne for the Australian Open.”
Djokovic suffered a shock loss to Reilly Opelka at last week’s Brisbane International before Jiri Lehecka won the tournament when Opelka retired in the first set of the final.
The 37-year-old, who will be coached by former rival Sir Andy Murray for the first time at a Grand Slam, also featured in the doubles in Brisbane alongside Nick Kyrgios.
Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, as well as the US Open in New York, live on Sky Sports in 2025 or stream with NOW.
