Novak Djokovic says he still feels ‘trauma’ when he visits Australia over his deportation

Novak Djokovic said he still feels “a little traumatized” when He traveled to Australiaderived from His exile in 2022 Because he was not vaccinated against Covid-19.

“The last few times I’ve landed in Australia to go through passport control and immigration, I’ve been a bit traumatized from three years ago,” Djokovic said in an interview. Herald Sun of Melbourne Newspaper published on Monday ahead of Australian Open. “And some of the signs are still there when I’m passing passport control, just checking to see if anyone’s coming through the immigration zone.”

Djokovic, who has won 10 of his 24 Grand Slam Championships In Melbourne Park, continued: “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.”

In 2022, Djokovic sought and initially received a waiver that would have allowed him — and the country — into the Australian Open, despite strict rules for taking shots to protect against the coronavirus. But after his flight landed, he was detained at the airport, his visa was canceled and he was sent to an immigration hotel.

A judge later reinstated the visa and ordered Djokovic’s release, ruling that he had not been given enough time to speak with his lawyers. Australia’s immigration minister then revoked the visas again on “public interest” grounds. Djokovic’s appeal against that ruling was rejected by a three-judge panel and he was deported. He faced a possible three-year ban from the country with his visa revoked, but Australia’s government changed, its pandemic border rules changed and a new immigration minister granted Djokovic a visa in 2023 – when he Went to claim the trophy.

“I don’t hold any grudges to be honest,” Djokovic told the Herald Sun about the story. “I don’t hold grudges.”

The Australian Open begins on Sunday (Saturday EST), and Djokovic will pursue his 11th trophy in Melbourne to add to his men’s record and an unprecedented 25th major singles title overall.

A year ago, Djokovic lost to eventual champion Janic Ciner in the semifinals.

“I just hope to get at least one more title there before I retire,” said the 37-year-old Djokovic. Only wins in one tournament in 2024 he had Single gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympics in august

Djokovic opened the 2025 Brisbane International last week, Reilly lost to Opelka in the quarterfinals.

At the Australian Open, Djokovic will play him in his first event New coach Andy MurrayHis former on-court rival and three-time major champion who retired as a player after the Summer Games. Murray and Djokovic said they would partner through the year’s primary Grand Slam tournament.