Novak Djokovic candidly shared his ongoing emotional burdens during his return to Melbourne for the upcoming Australian Open, discussing the trauma associated with his 2022 deportation over vaccination mandates.
Djokovic Still Grapples with 'Trauma' from Australian Deportation
Djokovic Still Grapples with 'Trauma' from Australian Deportation
Three years after deportation, Novak Djokovic reveals lingering emotional scars tied to Australia’s Covid-19 response.
Djokovic, now 37 years old, reflected on the struggles he faced when he was barred from entering Australia three years ago due to his unvaccinated status, a move made under Australian regulations concerning health at the time. The ordeal led to the cancellation of his visa and a five-day stay in an immigration hotel, culminating in his absence from the 2022 Australian Open.
Despite this harrowing experience, Djokovic returned to Melbourne the subsequent year once restrictions had been lifted. He triumphed, clinching a record 10th Australian Open title, an emotional victory given the context of his previous expulsion.
As he prepares for this year’s tournament, Djokovic disclosed his feelings of anxiety and 'trauma' still echoing from past experiences at airport immigration checks. "Every time I land in Australia and go through passport control, there's a bit of trauma from three years ago," he admitted. “I can’t help but wonder if they will detain me again or allow me through.”
Despite the scars, he stated that he bears no malice for the events of 2022. "I don’t hold a grudge. I won the next year and my family was there, it was one of my most emotional wins," said Djokovic.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, addressing the past incident, responded, emphasizing that visa decisions were determined by the federal government amid the pandemic challenges. “Covid was tough for everyone, it did not discriminate in who it infected,” she remarked.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, reflecting on Djokovic’s case, criticized the actions of the previous administration for not allowing him to meet with his Orthodox priest during the Christmas season in 2021, expressing disbelief over the situation.
Now, Djokovic aims to secure a groundbreaking 25th Grand Slam title at the forthcoming Australian Open, continuing to compete at the highest level while grappling with his past experiences.
Despite this harrowing experience, Djokovic returned to Melbourne the subsequent year once restrictions had been lifted. He triumphed, clinching a record 10th Australian Open title, an emotional victory given the context of his previous expulsion.
As he prepares for this year’s tournament, Djokovic disclosed his feelings of anxiety and 'trauma' still echoing from past experiences at airport immigration checks. "Every time I land in Australia and go through passport control, there's a bit of trauma from three years ago," he admitted. “I can’t help but wonder if they will detain me again or allow me through.”
Despite the scars, he stated that he bears no malice for the events of 2022. "I don’t hold a grudge. I won the next year and my family was there, it was one of my most emotional wins," said Djokovic.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, addressing the past incident, responded, emphasizing that visa decisions were determined by the federal government amid the pandemic challenges. “Covid was tough for everyone, it did not discriminate in who it infected,” she remarked.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, reflecting on Djokovic’s case, criticized the actions of the previous administration for not allowing him to meet with his Orthodox priest during the Christmas season in 2021, expressing disbelief over the situation.
Now, Djokovic aims to secure a groundbreaking 25th Grand Slam title at the forthcoming Australian Open, continuing to compete at the highest level while grappling with his past experiences.
