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The Serbian superstar was held in a hotel for five days before his visa was revoked just before the tournament.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.”
Ready for Australian Open
The Australian Open begins Sunday, January 12.
Djokovic will aim for his 11th Melbourne trophy, extending his men’s record and securing an unprecedented 25th major singles title overall.
He will be playing in his first event alongside new coach Andy Murray, his former on-court rival and a three-time major champion.
Murray and Djokovic have said they will partner up through the year’s initial Grand Slam tournament.
