SYDNEY – Novak Djokovic has openly admitted he still feels stressed each time he lands at Melbourne Airport, three years after being deported from Australia. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had his visa canceled just before the 2022 Australian Open, following days of turmoil surrounding Australia’s COVID entry rules and his unvaccinated status.
“I have to be very frank,” Djokovic said during an interview with the Herald Sun based in Melbourne. “The last few times I’ve landed in Australia, going through passport control and immigration, I’ve had a small trauma from three years ago.”
Djokovic's experiences came flooding back each time he passed through immigration, where he found himself wondering if the person checking his passport might detain him again. “The person checking my passport – will they take me, detain me again, or let me go? I must admit I have this feeling,” he confessed.
Following the pandemic's peak and his tumultuous past with the Australian government, Djokovic returned to Melbourne Park amid much anticipation. Despite the anxiety he felt, he triumphed at the 2023 Australian Open, securing his 10th title there. “To be honest, I don’t hold any resentment,” he stated. “I don’t bear any grudges. I came back the following year… and won.” He added, “My parents and the whole team were there, and it was actually one of the most emotional victories I’ve had, considering everything I went through the previous year.”
Now seated at seventh position in the world ranking, Djokovic is within reach of achieving another feat as he targets his 25th Grand Slam title when the next Australian Open kicks off on Sunday.
Jacinta Allan, the Deputy Premier of Victoria, reacted to Djokovic’s comments, acknowledging the mental impact of his experiences. She stated, “Covid was tough for all of us,” indicating broader empathy for the challenging times during the pandemic. Despite Djokovic’s admission of trauma, she maintained Melbourne’s reputation remains intact, emphasizing the city’s resilience.
“Melbourne has always been known for its open community and welcoming spirit,” Allan said. “His feelings are valid, and we understand the changes the pandemic enforced on all of us.” She reiterated her conviction the events surrounding Djokovic should not tarnish the city’s reputation as welcoming to international players and visitors.
Djokovic’s unsettling experience at Melbourne Airport remains notable and serves as a reminder of the pandemic's societal impacts. The tennis mogul now stands excited for future tournaments, yet the emotional residue from his past choices will undoubtedly echo on his visits. All eyes will be on him once again when the 2025 Australian Open rolls around, with hopes to see him lift yet another trophy amid the crowd at Melbourne Park.