Novak Djokovic has opened up about the emotional scars left by his deportation from Australia three years ago, revealing how the experience still affects him.
In a recent interview with Australian media, Djokovic admitted that every time he goes through Australian immigration, he experiences what feels like a traumatic flashback to events from three years ago. He expressed his ongoing worry that he might be detained again.
The ordeal began in January 2022, when Djokovic traveled to Melbourne to compete in the Australian Open amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because he was unvaccinated, the Serbian tennis star was detained and confined to his hotel for five days before being deported. A year later, with Australia easing its entry rules for unvaccinated travelers, Djokovic was allowed to return and went on to win the Australian Open. The victory marked his record 10th Australian Open title, though his streak was interrupted when he was stopped in the semifinals last year.
If Djokovic wins the Australian Open this year, he will set a new record with 25 Grand Slam titles—more than any other player in history, male or female. The 2024 Australian Open is scheduled to begin on January 12 in Melbourne. Djokovic, whose ranking has recently fallen from No. 1 to No. 7, was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the Brisbane International last week.