Novak Djokovic discusses 2022 deportation before Australian Open

Novak Djokovic revealed his deportation from Australia in 2022 has had a long-lasting impact, with the Serbian still suffering trauma each time he enters the country.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Djokovic refused to be vaccinated but still travelled to Australia to compete in the Australian Open.

The former No.1 was hoping to be granted entry based on a medical exemption.

However, his arrival escalated into a multi-day fiasco, with Djokovic detained in a hotel as his case was contested.

The end result was Djokovic being deported from the country and being unable to participate in the year’s first Grand Slam.

“The last couple of times that I landed in Australia, to go through passport control and immigration — I had a bit of trauma from three years ago,” Djokovic said in a recent interview ahead of this year’s Australian Open in Melbourne.

“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.”

While doubt lingered over whether or not Djokovic would be banned from Australia for the breach of vaccination requirements, he was allowed to return the next year, and subsequently won the tournament.

“I don’t hold any resentment,” he continued

“I don’t hold a grudge.

“I came like right away the year after in 2023, and I won the Australian Open.

“It was my 22nd slam.

“My parents and whole team were there, and it was actually one of the most emotional wins that I’ve ever had considering all that I’d been through the year before.”

With the 2025 Australian Open beginning on Sunday, January 12, Djokovic is a live chance of winning his 25th Grand Slam title at Melbourne Park.

Tennis betting sites have him on the second line of betting in outright betting, with Bet365 paying +350 for the 10-time champion to claim the title.

Jannik Sinner leads tennis betting odds heading into the tournament, paying just +137 to defend his title.

Carlos Alcaraz sits alongside Djokovic on +350 as well at the top online bookmakers.

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