- Serbia’s Novak Djokovic is back to Australia, the country which forcefully deported him because of Covid-19 regulations three years ago
- Speaking during an interview with Herald Sun, the 37-year-old revealed that he still has trauma when visiting Melbourne
Novak Djokovic is back to Australia, the country which forcefully deported him in 2022 because of Covid-19 regulations, for the Australian Open.
Australia has not been the same for Djokovic since the incident which made headlines in early 2022. His visa was cancelled by the Australian government on “health and good order” grounds, and what followed was ten days of saga for the renowned tennis player.
Djokovic, who was not vaccinated against Corona virus, was forced to stay at an immigration hotel as a court deliberated on his case which involved entering Australia without being vaccinated. Unfortunately (to Djokovic), a three-judge panel tasked with the case ruled against him and he was deported hence missing the 2022 Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia in 2022. Photo/ CBS Sports.
Speaking during an interview with Herald Sun, the 37-year-old revealed that he still has trauma when visiting Melbourne.
“I have to be quite frank. 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. And some traces still stay there when I’m passing passport control, just checking out if someone from immigration zone is approaching.” Novak Djokovic told the Herald Sun, as per Sky Sports.
The tennis great is not vaccinated against corona virus and tested positive in mid-December 2021. Nevertheless, he was granted the opportunity to enter Australia for the 2022 Australian Open by two independent panels commissioned by the state government of Victoria and Tennis Australia.
But upon landing in Australia, he was detained by the Australian Border Force for not meeting federal corona virus requirements. Immigration Minister Alex Hawke decided to cancel his visa, which led to the drama that resulted in his deportation.
Australia current prime minister Anthony Albanese criticized the previous regime for it’s handling of Djokovic in 2022. While the Serbian talent is still worried if the person checking his passport is going to detain him or allow him enter the country, he doesn’t have any grudge with the Australian government.
“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. I don’t hold a grudge.” He added.
Interestingly, Djokovic returned in 2023 with Covid restrictions eased and went on to win the Australian Open for the tenth time in his career. He considers the 2023 triumph as one of his most emotional victories considering what he had been through the previous year.
The Serb, who suffered a shock defeat against Reilly Opelka at the Brisbane tournament three days ago, is looking forward to winning a record 25th Grand Slam. He also qualified for the doubles of the Australian Open and will play alongside Nick Kyrgios.
Novak Djokovic will be coached at this year’s Australian Open by his former rival Sir Andy Murray, who officially called time to his career in August 2024.
Naomi Osaka Injured But Hopeful About Australian Open
Naomi Osaka suffered an abdominal injury while playing in the Auckland Classic final, her first WTA final in three years, against Clara Tauson of Denmark on Sunday. The Japanese withdrew from the match after playing without any struggle in the first round, which she won 6-4.
Osaka, who won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, remains positive that she will compete in this year’s event.
Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Auckland Classic Final due to an injury. Photo/ Shepparton News.
“I’m having an MRI today to assess. I don’t feel that it’s too serious and I still feel very optimistic about AO.” She is quoted by SuperSport.
Osaka, who is 27, took a 15-month hiatus from tennis due to pregnancy and returned last year. The former world number one, who is still hunting for a title twelve months since she returned to tennis, is currently ranked 57th in the world.
