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    Home / News / Sports News / Novak Djokovic opens up on 'trauma' from Australian Open deportation
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    Novak Djokovic opens up on 'trauma' from Australian Open deportation
    Djokovic, who arrived in Australia with a COVID-19 vaccine exemption, was deported ahead of the 2022 edition

    Novak Djokovic opens up on 'trauma' from Australian Open deportation

    By Parth Dhall
    Jan 06, 2025
    02:24 pm

    What's the story

    Tennis maestro Novak Djokovic has opened up on the emotional turmoil he went through after being deported from Australia in 2022.

    The Serbian was sacked days before the start of Australian Open. He was accused of entering the country unvaccinated amid the COVID-19 pandemic border restrictions.

    Despite his stellar record in Australia, Djokovic admitted that he now feels anxious every time he visits Melbourne.

    Anxiety explained

    Djokovic's apprehension at Australian immigration

    In a conversation with the Herald Sun, Djokovic revealed that his past few arrivals in Australia have been uncomfortable.

    "The last couple of times that I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration - I had a bit of trauma from three years ago," he said.

    The tennis icon added that he still fears being detained again at passport checks.

    Official stance

    Victorian Premier's response to Djokovic's revelation

    Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan was quick to issue a strong statement in response to Djokovic's revelation.

    She noted the pandemic's universal hardships and reiterated her commitment to ensuring a successful Australian Open for 2025.

    "COVID-19 was tough for all of us. It didn't matter who you were or what you did, it was a tough time," Allan said, showing no sympathy for Djokovic's personal ordeal.

    Previous remarks

    Past comments on his Australian ordeal

    In 2023, Djokovic told Channel Nine that he felt like "the villain of the world" in Melbourne. He was detained at a hotel with asylum seekers before being deported.

    "There were two or three more people that came into Australia 10 days before I did with exactly the same exemption that I had," he said, defending his actions during the incident.

    Comeback

    Return to Australian Open despite past trauma

    Despite his past trauma, Djokovic is gearing up to win what would be a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title at the 2025 Australian Open.

    This year, the 37-year-old will be joined by his former rival, Andy Murray, as coach.

    The Serbian ace aims to bounce back following a disappointing quarter-final exit at the Brisbane International earlier this month.

    Djokovic

    Djokovic's reluctance to get the jab

    In January 2022, the border authorities in Australia canceled Djokovic's visa upon arrival. He was sent to immigration detention before his lawyers filed an appeal.

    Although his team won the case, the government re-canceled his visa. The judges rejected Djokovic's appeal thereafter.

    Djokovic, who arrived in Australia with a COVID-19 vaccine exemption, was deported ahead of the 2022 edition.

    He also missed the US Open later that year after refusing to get a jab.

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