Home » Novak Djokovic still has “trauma” from Australia deportation

Novak Djokovic still has “trauma” from Australia deportation

Written By : cyreez — January 7, 2025

Listed Under: Tennis

Novak Djokovic said he still feels trauma when traveling to Australia, due to his 2022 deportation for not being vaccinated against COVID-19.

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Djokovic talks about his trauma on Australia deportation

Djokovic could not defend his Australian Open title in 2022 because he refused vaccination against COVID-19.

The Serbian superstar was held in a hotel for five days before his visa was revoked just before the tournament.

Instead, Rafael Nadal won the 2022 Australian Open title.

However, Djokovic won the tournament the following year, with COVID restrictions eased.

Even after three yeas has passed, the 37-year-old admitted he still feels uneasy upon stepping foot in the country.

“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 told Melbourne’s Herald Sun.

“And some traces still stay there when I’m passing passport control, just checking out if someone from immigration zone is approaching.”

“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 added: “I don’t hold a grudge. I came right away the year after and I won. My parents and whole team were there and it was actually one of the most emotional wins I’ve ever had, considering all that I’d been through the year before.”