Novak Djokovic on Covid Deportation Trauma and 2025 Hopes

Novak Djokovic shares his journey from Covid deportation to 2025 ambitions.

Novak Djokovic has revealed lingering feelings of “trauma” associated with his 2022 deportation from Australia due to COVID-19 regulations. Three years after the incident, despite making a triumphant return to the city, Djokovic continues to feel uneasy when passing through passport control in Melbourne.

The 37-year-old Serbian tennis legend was deported in January 2022 after the Australian government revoked Djokovic’s visa on “health and good order” grounds. The decision stemmed from Djokovic’s refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19, a stance that clashed with the nation’s stringent health policies.

During the ordeal, Novak Djokovic was detained in an immigration hotel for five days while contesting the cancellation. His unsuccessful appeal forced Djokovic to leave the country and miss the 2022 Australian Open.

‘Lingering Traces’ of Trauma

In an interview with Melbourne’s Herald Sun, Djokovic described how the experience had left a lasting impression.

“The last couple of times I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration – I had a bit of trauma from three years ago,” Djokovic shared. “And some traces still stay there when I pass passport control, just checking out if someone from the immigration zone is approaching.”

He admitted feeling nervous even now, explaining, “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.”

Despite these lingering emotions, Djokovic emphasized that he holds no grudges. Reflecting on his return in 2023, when Covid restrictions had eased, Djokovic said, “I came right away the year after, and I won. My parents and the whole team were there, and it was one of the most emotional wins I’ve ever had, considering all that I’d been through the year before.”

Djokovic claimed his 10th Australian Open title in 2023, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. Now, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is preparing to compete in Melbourne again, hoping to set a new record by securing a 25th major title when the tournament begins on Sunday.

Political Reactions and Reflections

The controversy surrounding Djokovic’s deportation in 2022 continues to resonate. Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, who was part of Australia’s Covid-19 crisis cabinet at the time, acknowledged the difficulties posed by the pandemic but declined to comment specifically on Djokovic’s case.

“The responsibility of granting visas is a matter for the federal government,” Allan said. “Covid was tough for all of us. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from; Covid didn’t discriminate in who it infected, how sick it made you, and how sick it made others in our community.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also revisited the issue, criticizing the handling of Djokovic’s detention under the previous administration. Albanese expressed particular dismay over the denial of Djokovic’s request to meet with an Orthodox priest in the lead-up to Orthodox Christmas, celebrated on January 7 by many in Djokovic’s faith community.

“I made comments about it at the time,” Albanese said. “I found it astonishing that, in the lead-up to Christmas, Novak Djokovic was denied by the then federal government the opportunity to see his Orthodox minister or priest. That was something I found hard to justify at that time.”

Looking Forward

Djokovic focuses on the future as he prepares to take on Melbourne Park to further cement his legacy. A record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title would place Djokovic in uncharted territory in tennis history.

Also Read: Djokovic Stunned by Opelka in Brisbane Quarter-Final Exit

While the memories of his 2022 deportation may linger, Djokovic’s resilience and determination to succeed have remained unwavering. With Melbourne’s summer heat and the fervent support of fans awaiting him, Djokovic is ready to add another chapter to his storied career.