Novak Djokovic has expressed that he carries “a bit of trauma” when he returns to Australia, a feeling rooted in his deportation in 2022 due to his unvaccinated status against COVID-19.
In a recent interview with Melbourne’s Herald Sun, Djokovic reflected on his experiences at passport control and immigration upon arriving in Australia.
“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 admitted.
He noted that the apprehensive feelings linger as he goes through these checkpoints, anxiously wondering if immigration officials may detain him again.

Djokovic, who has secured 10 of his 24 Grand Slam titles at Melbourne Park, elaborated on the anxiety of passing through customs.
“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,” he said.
In January 2022, Djokovic had obtained an exemption that he believed would allow him entry to compete in the Australian Open despite stringent vaccination mandates, but once his plane touched down, he was held and subsequently had his visa revoked.

Although a judge initially restored his visa and ordered his release due to insufficient legal time, Australia’s immigration minister canceled it again, citing reasons of “public interest.”
In the following appeal, a three-judge panel confirmed the deportation, leading to fears of a potential three-year ban from Australia.
However, with a change in the Australian government and adjustments to pandemic-related border regulations, Djokovic was granted a visa in 2023, where he went on to win the tournament.

Regarding his tumultuous experience, Djokovic stated, “I don’t hold any resentment, to be honest. I don’t hold a grudge.”
The Australian Open is set to commence this Sunday, and Djokovic aims to capture his 11th title in Melbourne and push toward a 25th major singles title.
Last year, he was eliminated in the semifinals by Jannik Sinner, the eventual champion.
At 37, Djokovic expressed his desire to clinch at least one more title in Australia before concluding his illustrious career, mentioning that his only victory so far in 2024 was securing the singles gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympics.

Djokovic also kicked off 2025 at the Brisbane International last week but faced defeat in the quarterfinals against Reilly Opelka.
At the forward-looking Australian Open, he will compete for the first time alongside his new coach Andy Murray; a former rival on the court and a three-time major champion, who stepped away from professional play after the Summer Games.
Djokovic and Murray have committed to collaborating throughout the upcoming Grand Slam tournament, marking an exciting new chapter for both former competitors.