Novak Djokovic has revealed ongoing feelings of trauma when he arrives in Melbourne, Australia, ahead of the 2025 Australian Open. This stress is rooted in his 2022 deportation due to Australia's strict COVID-19 vaccination regulations, which resulted in a significant personal and professional crisis.

During an interview with Melbourne's Herald Sun, Djokovic admitted, “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." He expressed lingering fears about possible encounters with immigration officials, saying he often wonders, “are they going to take me, detain me again or let me go?” (Reuters).

Djokovic faced deportation in 2022 after his visa was revoked upon arrival due to his unvaccinated status, leading to a controversial five-day detention at an immigration hotel. Despite temporary legal success in reinstating his visa, he was ultimately deported, missing the prestigious tournament that year. Notably, he returned to Australia in 2023 and won his 10th Australian Open title, a victory he described as melodramatic given his prior ordeal. “I don’t hold any resentment, to be honest. I don’t hold a grudge,” he remarked (AP News).

As he prepares for the upcoming tournament, Djokovic aims to secure his record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. The athletic star reflected on his past difficulties during a time when COVID-19 was impacting sport globally, stating that this experience will forever linger in his psyche. “And some traces still stay there when I'm passing passport control,” he explained.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan emphasized the complex government response during the pandemic, noting the changes in Australian immigration policies since Djokovic's deportation. She lamented the difficulties everyone faced during those contentious times, noting that COVID was challenging for all individuals, regardless of status. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticized how the previous government handled Djokovic's case, describing it as "astonishing" that he was denied the opportunity to see his Orthodox priest during a significant time in the calendar year (BBC).

With the Australian Open set to commence shortly, many are eager to see if Djokovic can overcome his emotional challenges and play to his potential on the grand stage.