Novak Djokovic has admitted that he nonetheless feels careworn when arriving at Melbourne airport, recalling the ordeal three years in the past when he was deported from Australia.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion had his visa canceled simply earlier than the 2022 Australian Open amid controversy surrounding Australia’s COVID-19 entry rules and his unvaccinated standing.
“I have to be quite frank,” Djokovic mentioned in an interview with Melbourne’s Herald Sun newspaper. “The last couple of times I landed in Australia, going 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 if someone from the immigration zone is approaching.”
He continued, “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.”
The Serbian returned to Melbourne Park in 2023 when the worst of the pandemic was over and received a tenth Australian Open title.
“I don’t hold any resentment, to be honest,” the 37-year-old 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.”
Djokovic, ranked seventh on this planet, will probably be on the hunt for a file twenty fifth main title when the 2025 Australian Open begins subsequent Sunday.
Source: www.dailysabah.com